Bug bites

Dogs don't have a monopoly of olfactory power. If K-9 sniffers can detect even Covid-19-infected persons, roundworms like the Caenorhabditis elegans or C. elegans reportedly can smell cancer.

Japanese biotech firm Hirotsu Bio Science uses C. elegans to diagnose early stage pancreatic cancer as its sense of smell is stronger than that of dogs, GMA "Next Now" reported.

The worms are made to swim in a patient's urine sample. Being genetically modified to react to cancer cells, C. elegans swim away from pancreatic cancer cells upon smelling it, according to the report. Such behavior indicates the patient is positive or at high risk for pancreatic cancer.

While the nematode worms are useful in medical diagnosis, another worm has a different purpose.

The so-called superworms or larva of darkling beetle are traditional feeds for bird and reptile pets. They also have the potential of recycling plastic waste because they can digest polystyrene through a special gut enzyme, BBC reported.

Superworm breeders sell the crawlers packed or raw through Facebook Marketplace and major online shopping portals. Some Boholano and Chavacano buyers, however, use the superworms for another reason.

In a video report on GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, a man in Zamboanga City stirs superworms in a frying pan as a broadcaster reports on his recipe. The fried superworms flavored with garlic, salt, and spices are then served on a plate and eaten with gusto by foodies.

As crunchy chichaworm (chicharon worms), the cooked superworms turn into a delightful snack for drinking sessions or merienda.