Roundworms 'read' wavelengths in the environment to avoid dangerous bacteria that secrete colorful toxins
Published Date: 3/5/2021
Source: phys.org
Roundworms don't have eyes or the light-absorbing molecules required to see. Yet, new research shows they can somehow sense color. The study, published in the journal Science, suggests worms use this ability to assess the risk of feasting on potentially dangerous bacteria that secrete blue toxins. The researchers pinpointed two genes that contribute to this spectral sensitivity and are conserved across many organisms, including humans.