This is the first of a themed
posting I will be doing weekly called Wildlife Wednesdays.
First, I would like to refer to a couple comments received. I'd like to keep my options open, and share information on applied sciences as well as theoretical science. I find them both important and insightful. Also, I will always attempt to keep my writing style such that everyone may enjoy this blog.
Feel free to ask me for further information. Now back to the topic for this post.
I’ve always enjoyed nature shows,
and really any information about the living creatures of our world. Look at my
Netflix history and it could be said I should slow down.
This week’s Wildlife Wednesday
let’s talk jellyfish.
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| Small Box Jellyfish Image Credit: Guido Gautsch, Creative Commons |
Fascinating and, personally at
least, frightening creatures. Of course not all of them are dangerous to us. There
are many species so it can be difficult to memorize which ones are dangerous in
the area you may be swimming.
One study recently published in PLOS ONE, and shared by a very cool blog called Wild Things, explains some
research on jellyfish stings that cause more pain than others. Particularly
they find that the length of the tubule is a major factor.
The tubule is what extends from the tentacles when contact is made. The tubule can be thought of like a needle, and that is what attempts to penetrate the skin to inject the venom.
The research found that if the
tubule reaches our nerve endings then they are likely to cause serious pain.
The information was helpful in understanding the difference of pain received
from different species of jellyfish.
I have had a few encounters with
jellyfish, but luckily never stung. As a kid I came across a couple while
enjoying myself at the beach in Florida, and in Alabama.
While living in Okinawa, Japan I
enjoyed snorkeling every chance available. Occasionally I would see a couple
jellyfish during a swim, but it was easy to keep my distance. However, one day
with the rising tide an entire swarm came in and I was surrounded. I’ll just
say it was a careful, and scary swim to shore.
It would be great to receive any thoughts,
information, or stories about jellyfish in the comments. Please feel free to
share what you have.
