In Australia, particularly in the region of Queensland (north-east of the country), the danger to swimmers is not only represented by sharks, but by something more subtle almost invisible and therefore often impossible to avoid. This is a very small jellyfish called Irukandji (the name derives from that of a local population), known to scholars as Caruk barnesi , classified in 1967. This jellyfish has a tiny umbrella that does not exceed the size of an olive, with a maximum height then 2.5 cm. It has only four tentacles that can have a length varies widely, from a few centimeters to more than half a meter. A feature that makes it even more dangerous is its transparent body, which, together with being very small size makes it difficult to see into the water. Like all jellyfish have stinging cells that are grouped together but in the tentacles in some areas distinguished by a round shape and white in addition, unlike other jellyfish, the stinging cells are also present sull'ombrella animal. The mix of toxic particulates contained within these cell types (cnidociti) is also very dangerous to humans and in several cases had no effect lethal. The toxin is injected into the victim's body from the end of filaments, like small and long spikes contained within the cells mentioned above, which are "fired" at the moment when physical contact is made. Unlike most jellyfish, the contact time results in only a slight pain that is not so alarming, but after about 30 minutes took over the victim what is known as "Irukandji syndrome" which can be lethal, especially if not properly treated or particularly susceptible to the toxin. After half an hour the symptoms can be different, depending on the person and the amount of toxin injected, but the most common are: severe pain spread to almost throughout the body, pressure is skyrocketing, tachycardia, vomiting. Death may occur from cardiac arrest. In all cases the symptoms last for several days. There is no antidote. A useful thing to do in case of contact, however, is to be paid immediately in the party, vinegar and practice "defuses" the stinging cells that have not yet given their discharge. Scientists are trying to isolate this toxic mix an effective antidote to study and for possible other applications, but the extreme fragility of the body of this animal that is killed by the simple collision with the glass of an aquarium, has complicated matters. One scholar has, however, recently found a good solution the problem, using a circular-shaped aquarium and the sides creating a small stream of water that prevents contact between the small jellyfish and the wall.
In a photo copy of this jellyfish seen up close.
0 comments:
Post a Comment