
Paralvinella hessleri: The deep-sea worm that fights poison with poison, and shines like gold |
Deep in the Pacific Ocean, a tiny bright yellow worm called Paralvinella hessleri thrives where almost nothing else can, around boiling hydrothermal vents that gush metal-rich, poisonous fluids. These underwater chimneys are packed with toxic substances, including arsenic and hydrogen sulphide. Yet, instead of dying, the worm uses these poisons to its advantage. According to…