Shipwrecked tube worms

Article Abstract:

Giant vestimentiferan tube worms were found living in the wreckage of a sunken ship in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, marking the first discovery of these invertebrates in that ocean and in a habitat without a hydrothermal vent or seep. The cargo ship 'Francois Vieljeux' lies about 30 west of Vigo, Spain, having sunk in 1979. The tube worms, which live in chemosynthesis-based groups that derive their food from symbiotic chemoautotrophic bacteria, are opportunistic feeders tending to dwell anywhere with enough sulphide.

Natural history, Tube worms, Tubeworms, Atlantic Ocean, Shipwrecks

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Twitching worms catch S100

Article Abstract:

Twitchin is a giant 750K protein kinase which is activated by the calcium (Ca) -binding protein S100A1(sub 2). It is found in nematode muscle cells that control muscle contraction and organization. The activation is dependent on the presence of Ca and zinc. S100B(sub 2), which is 60% similar to S100A1(sub 2), is unable to activate twitchin. The S100 proteins contain two helix-loop-helix Ca-binding regions that are joined by a linker.

Physiological aspects, Protein kinases, Nematoda, Nematodes, Calcium-binding proteins, Calcium binding proteins

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Genes make worms behave

Article Abstract:

Papers by S.L. McIntire and colleagues contribute significantly to our understanding of neural biology in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The researchers are continuing Sydney Brenner's investigation of the worm's nervous system using serial section electron microscopy. They have determined the behaviors controlled by 26 of its 302 neurons. Their work shows that molecular technologies cannot replace study of the whole creature.

Neurobiology, Caenorhabditis elegans

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