Clearest ever picture of worms’ surface chemistry deepens evolutionary understanding

The surface chemistry of two worm species has been found to play a crucial role in their interaction with the environment and each other. This work provides the clearest picture yet of the surface chemistry of these worms and could help combat parasitic infections.

Scientists from the University of Nottingham used an advanced mass spectrometry imaging system – 3D-OrbiSIMS – to examine the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus and characterise their complex surface chemistry. The species studied don’t have eyes and ears, so the team was interested in learning how they interact with other systems and organisms. These worms were selected because they represent distinct evolutionary lineages with different ecological adaptations.