Scientists discover worm deadlier than arsenic lurking off the UK’s south coast
- National Oceanography Centre have identified 18 non-indigenous species in UK
- These include the Cephalothrix simula, a potentially deadly worm from north-west Pacific Ocean
- This contains neurotoxins that are ‘potentially fatal if they enter the human body’
A poisonous worm that is deadlier than arsenic or cyanide – and to which there is no antidote – has been found just off the South Coast.
The main risk to humans from the Cephalothrix simula – which grows up to 11 inches – is if it is accidentally eaten, as it can attach itself to shellfish such as mussels or oysters.
Although it is native to the north-west Pacific, a study found it has spread to northern Europe – including the muddy flats off Southampton and Cornwall.
The worm carries tetrodotoxin – the same venom found in pufferfish – and a dose of as little as two milligrams can be fatal.
DNA: Researchers from the University of Southampton, Bangor University and the National Oceanography Centre have identified 18 non-indigenous species off the UK coast
It kills by inducing heart failure or paralysing nerves that trigger muscles to control breathing, so the victim suffocates.
The only treatment is to be put on life support until the venom leaves the body.
The worm was discovered as scientists DNA tested the UK’s coastal waters to check for invading foreign species of sea-life which could kill local wildlife.
Researchers from the University of Southampton, Bangor University and the National Oceanography Centre have identified 18 non-indigenous species off the UK coast.
WHAT IS DNA?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a complex chemical in almost all organisms that carries genetic information.
It is located in chromosomes the cell nucleus and almost every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA.
It is composed of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).
The structure of the double-helix DNA comes from adenine binding with thymine and cytosine binding with guanine.
Human DNA consists of three billion bases and more than 99 per cent of those are the same in all people.
The researchers, led by Luke Holman, a PhD student at the University of Southampton, collected water and sediment from four marinas around the UK and analysed the DNA of each sample to determine which species had been present in the ecosystems.
The areas tested were Southampton Water, Anglesey, the Bristol channel and the River Blackwater.
The university spokesman explained: ‘Organisms leave traces of their DNA in water systems through a variety of means, for example fish can lose scales and many species can release sperm or eggs during the spawning season.
‘The team were able to extract this genetic material, known as environmental DNA (eDNA), and compare it to global DNA databases to identify the presence of species.’
Mr Holman said: ‘We are enormously excited about the potential for eDNA in the detection of invasive species.
‘This initial work gives us confidence that the technique could be invaluable both for catching invasions early on and also for monitoring the success of eradication efforts.’
Another species discovered was the Asian date mussel (Arcuatula senhousia) which can have ‘devastating effects’ on native wildlife habitats.
Risk: Another species discovered was the Asian date mussel (Arcuatula senhousia) which can have ‘devastating effects’ on native wildlife habitats
It can alter sediment through the cocoons that it produces, which can change the seafloor from muddy to a thick, sandy material, affecting which creatures can inhabit it.
Mr Holman said: ‘We know that the muddy flats of Southampton water and the Solent area provide a great deal of food for foraging birds so we should be worried about any species with an ability to change the sediment.’
He explained that non-native species can arrive on UK shores by being carried in ballast water tanks on ships as well as on live fish stocks imported for British fish farms.
The team intends to expand its study, published in Scientific Reports, to provide guidance for routine monitoring across the UK and abroad.
Source: Read Full Article