Drop Everything! Its Cephalopod Week!

[login123]

OK . . .  I admit it isn't really up there with 200 mph bike races, but maybe the garish title will bring some folks in off the street 

 

The linked NPR podcast also has some information about immortal two headed flatworms in space.  Cool, huh?

https://www.sciencefriday.com/spotlights/cephalopod-week/
NPR:  
http://www.npr.org/podcasts/381444525/science-friday

[nukecad]

Did you see my links about Tardigrades in the June desktop thread?

 

They don't grow two heads in orbit, but can survive the vacuum and hard radiation of space unprotected. (And they look cuter than flatworms).

 

Heres another link: https://www.space.com/5817-creature-survives-naked-space.html?_ga=2.22779315.94916629.1497671551-624023145.1497671550

 

Although it says there that scientists are unsure how they survive such extreme conditions the latest research has shown that they change their cells to 'glass like' molecules.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2124893-tardigrades-turn-into-glass-to-survive-complete-dehydration/

[login123]

Yes, saw that.  Very interesting it was. 

Didn't know the real name of the water bear until I read your post. 

But hold on just a second there . . . "cuter"? 

Tough, I'll give ya that, but cuter?  Harrumph. 

[nukecad]

Well they make them as cuddly toys for kids:

http://www.strapya-world.com/products/71400.html

 

There's some weird stuff on that website, but to keep with the Octopode/Cephalopod theme:

http://www.strapya-world.com/categories/Deep-Sea-Creatures/8440_8450_8572_9329.html

 

Having said that, you can also get flatworm toys, even 2 headed ones:

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/239972945/blue-planarian-plush-flatworm-plush-2

[login123]

Dear nukecad, . . . what unmitigated poppycock.

 

As to cuteness:

The porcine wrigglings of the tardigrade cannot compare to the elegant, gliding perambulation of the planaria.

 

As to toughness:

if you cut a tardigrade in half, he's done for.  If you cut a flatworm in half, he becomes two flatworms.

And anyway, who wants to survive riding on the outside of a of rocket ship?

So there! 

 

I suggest we start a poll to decide which is the superior animal. 

You'll see, the world will side with the planaria. 

 

That said, while I disagree with what you write, I will defend to the death your right to write it! 

 

[nukecad]

If we could cross a tardigrade with a flat worm they could take over the universe. 

 

Imagine meeting one of those six foot tall.

 

I just find it fascinating that there all these unusual creatures on this planet, and that they defy our preconceived notions of  what an 'animal' is.

 

Who knows what else we haven't found, or have just taken for granted.

 

Ever heard of a slime mould?

They can also dry out and revive with water.

The jury is out on whether they are animals, plants, mycelia, or need a new classification of their own.

[login123]

Yes.  Would be an impressive creature. 

Should we call it a tardiworm or a flatigrade? 

 

[login123]

Well, I knew this wouldn't be the hottest topic in the lounge, but this is sure a slow weekend. 

Can't even provoke a spirited riposte from friend nukecad. 

 

> Sigh <

[nukecad]

Well, I knew this wouldn't be the hottest topic in the lounge, but this is sure a slow weekend. 

Can't even provoke a spirited riposte from friend nukecad. 

 

> Sigh <

 

Sorry, I was having my own version of hibernation.

 

Fell asleep at about 16:00 yesterday and woke at 12 today.

 

Long sleeps like this are not unusual for me.

 

I have a medical condition called Idiopathic Hypersomnia, (sometimes called idiopathic hypersomnolence), which means that I go into a very deep sleep for extended periods and cannot be woken.

(4-1/2 days semi-comatose is my personal record).

 

It's a pretty rare form of narcolepsy, but is getting better recognised and diagnosed these days.

There is no recognised treatment although stimulants are sometimes used to help stop falling asleep, but do nothing to stop the long sleep duration.

 

As you can imagine it does impact on your life quite a bit and sufferers usually have to give up working.

[login123]

I'm sure it does impact your life profoundly.  Sorry to hear about that but thanks for sharing. 

I was afraid my posts had given offense, although they were intended to be light banter. 

[nukecad]

No problem,

Like any disability you learn how to live with it.

 

But I had wondered if you had swallowed a dictionary.

(And a Victorian one at that,  I did chuckle at "unmitigated poppycock", very Dickensian).

[login123]