BMC Biol November 2009 PMID 19903327

A remarkable diversity of bone-eating worms (Osedax; Siboglinidae; Annelida).

Robert C Vrijenhoek, Shannon B Johnson, Greg W Rouse

Mentions

48
Peak: 5 in Oct 2025
across 7 sources since Dec 2011

Extended reach

1,336,007
potential audience

Total likes

28,241

Video views

1,335,555

Mentions per month

Dec 2011 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • Facebook40 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Instagram2 posts
  • X / Twitter1 posts
  • Bluesky1 posts
  • News1 articles
  • Blogs1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a strong interest and support for the research, with phrases like 'remarkable diversity' and references to the evolutionary history, indicating appreciation of both the scientific discovery and its broader implications. The tone shows curiosity and respect, with mentions of genetic analysis and fossil studies emphasizing the study’s potential to deepen understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the study, citing it as a valuable discovery about deep-sea organisms, with some referencing specific findings like the diversity of Osedax lineages.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions demonstrate high interest, with many participants expressing fascination with the worms’ evolution, diversity, and relevance to understanding marine life history.

EngagementModerate engagement

Comments include references to the methods used, such as genetic analysis, and implications of the research, indicating active engagement rather than superficial mention.

ImpactModerate impact

While the discussions highlight the importance of the research, they mainly emphasize its scientific relevance and potential for future studies, suggesting a moderate perceived impact.

Abstract in brief

  • The study reveals that there are at least 17 genetically distinct lineages of bone-eating worms (Osedax) in addition to the five previously known species, and these lineages are grouped into five main clades with different physical traits.
  • Genetic analysis suggests that Osedax split from similar relatives around 45 million years ago, correlating with the appearance of early whales, but estimates vary depending on the molecular clock used, with some suggesting they originated as early as the Cretaceous period.
  • To better understand the evolutionary history of Osedax, researchers propose examining ancient fossil bones for trace fossils indicating the presence of these worms, which could help confirm their age and origin.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
TWILIGHTED
@twilighted_eu · X

Photos and reading: (1) Vrijenhoek, R.C., Johnson, S.B. & Rouse, G.W. A remarkable diversity of bone-eating worms. BMC Biol 7, 74 (2009). https://t.co/v4ee6jxXDK. (2, 3) OET/NOAA https://t.co/cM7ooh1FhI TWILIGHTED is funded by the EU

Oct 24, 2025 · 12 followers View post →
TWILIGHTED
@twilighted-eu.bsky.social · Bluesky

Photos and reading: (1) Vrijenhoek, R.C., Johnson, S.B. & Rouse, G.W. A remarkable diversity of bone-eating worms. BMC Biol 7, 74 (2009). doi.org/10.1186/1741.... (2, 3) OET/NOAA sanctuaries.noaa.gov/magazine/5/w... TWILIGHTED is funded by the EU

Oct 24, 2025 View post →

All mentions

TWILIGHTED
@twilighted-eu.bsky.social · Bluesky

Photos and reading: (1) Vrijenhoek, R.C., Johnson, S.B. & Rouse, G.W. A remarkable diversity of bone-eating worms. BMC Biol 7, 74 (2009). doi.org/10.1186/1741.... (2, 3) OET/NOAA sanctuaries.noaa.gov/magazine/5/w... TWILIGHTED is funded by the EU

Oct 24, 2025 View post →
TWILIGHTED
@twilighted_eu · X

Photos and reading: (1) Vrijenhoek, R.C., Johnson, S.B. & Rouse, G.W. A remarkable diversity of bone-eating worms. BMC Biol 7, 74 (2009). https://t.co/v4ee6jxXDK. (2, 3) OET/NOAA https://t.co/cM7ooh1FhI TWILIGHTED is funded by the EU

Oct 24, 2025 · 12 followers View post →
NOAA Ocean Exploration
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a turkey skeleton on ...

Dec 12, 2025 View →
NOAA - When you live aboard a ship for weeks on end, "science at ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Dec 2, 2025 View →
Would you let bone-eating worms join your Thanksgiving dinner ...
Facebook

... 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Log in ·

Nov 26, 2025 View →
NOAA - Examples of morphological diversity amound Osedax ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Nov 26, 2025 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Nov 20, 2025 View →
NOAA - A submersible with a safety diver on top being lowered into ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Nov 20, 2025 View →
MARE-Madeira - Estão abertas as candidaturas para o Workshop ...
Facebook

org/10.1186/1741-7007-7-74. (2, 3) OET/NOAA, Whale falls with Osedax worms visible as the reddish fuzz https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/magazine ...

Oct 31, 2025 View →
To celebrate #Halloween, our MARE-Madeira Youth Ambassadors ...
Instagram

https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7007-7-74. (2, 3) OET/NOAA, Whale falls with Osedax worms visible as the reddish fuzz https://sanctuaries.noaa ...

Oct 31, 2025 View →
To celebrate #Halloween, our MARE-Madeira Youth Ambassadors ...
Instagram

... 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74. (2, 3) OET/NOAA, Whale falls with Osedax worms visible as the reddish fuzz https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/magazine/5 ...

Oct 24, 2025 View →
NOAA - It's October! What better month to highlight the Venus flytrap ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 30, 2025 View →
NOAA - This past spring, miniboat Yaquina Neversink — a vessel ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 18, 2025 View →
NOAA - Junior regional advisors tour the engine room on NOAA ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 16, 2025 View →
NOAA - Using artificial intelligence, roboticists have developed a ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 15, 2025 View →
When a hippo sits on a crocodile's tail...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. 0 reactions. Gary Davidson ...

Jul 29, 2025 View →
NOAA - While we've arrived at our next dive site, the weather isn't ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Apr 16, 2025 View →
NOAA - Current/recent undergrad and grad students interested in ...
Facebook

BMC Biology 7: 74. doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA.

Jan 13, 2025 View →
NOAA - Marine archaeology grad students: NOAA Ocean ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Jan 6, 2025 View →
NOAA - The remains of the Japanese Type A Kō-Hyōteki Miniature ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Dec 7, 2024 View →
NOAA - Need data, we've got you. NOAA Ocean Exploration ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Dec 5, 2024 View →
NOAA - Applications for Ocean Odyssey grants are now open! Do ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Aug 19, 2024 View →
NOAA - July 23-31, a team of researchers on Research Vessel ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Jul 22, 2024 View →
NOAA - On Friday, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer will get underway ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Jun 18, 2024 View →
NOAA - Some of the most beautiful creatures living in the deep ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

May 21, 2024 View →
NOAA - Interested in learning more about maritime heritage and ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Apr 19, 2024 View →
NOAA - NOAA Ocean Exploration and the Ocean Discovery League ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Apr 17, 2024 View →
NOAA - The ocean is a treasure trove of potential solutions to illness ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Apr 11, 2024 View →
NOAA - What's this? The sight of land on the horizon while the ROVs ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 2, 2023 View →
NOAA - August 14-18, researchers will test a new, low-cost, open ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Aug 14, 2023 View →
NOAA - The underwater remains of World War II's Battle for Saipan ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Jun 22, 2023 View →
NOAA - Put on a happy face — it's time for an #Okeanos dive ...
Facebook

BMC Biology 7: 74. doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA.

Apr 24, 2023 View →
NOAA - That's a wrap on today's #Okeanos dive and marks the end ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Nov 14, 2021 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - #ImageOfTheDay: February 21, 2021: A ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Feb 21, 2021 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - This conger eel wants you to vote...in this ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

May 13, 2020 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - As soon as the squalls ended and the ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Jun 12, 2019 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - Autonomous reef monitoring structures ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

May 6, 2019 View →
Alligatoren in der Tiefsee?! – Meertext
Blogs

doi:10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Cropped from Figure 1.) Die Ozeane sind in unter 200 Metern Tiefe nahrungsarme Räume, regelrechte Wüsten. So tief ...

Feb 18, 2019 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - This Chaunax looks as sad as we feel ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Nov 18, 2018 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is ...
Facebook

BMC Biology 7: 74. doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA.

Jun 24, 2018 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - ROV Deep Discoverer is back on the ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 25, 2017 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - No need to frown! Today's dive at "Beach ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 8, 2017 View →
Just in time for #SharkWeek: Learn more about the fascinating but ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Jun 28, 2016 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - This "USO" -- or Unidentified Swimming ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Sep 18, 2015 View →
Researchers discover how 'zombie worms' bore into skeletons
News

doi:10.1186/1741-7007-7-74. (Phys.org) -- In 2002, researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute discovered a unique species ...

Jul 2, 2012 View →
NOAA Ocean Exploration - In honor of Pearl Harbor Day, today's ...
Facebook

doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-7-74 Figure 1, Morphological diversity among Osedax lineages from Monterey Bay, CA. Osedax worms are attached to a ...

Dec 7, 2011 View →