A newly discovered worm that thrives in the world’s most toxic environments has been found to turn ocean poison into a golden mineral that helps it survive. The bright yellow Paralvinella hessleri worm, which inhabits deep-sea hydrothermal vents, converts toxins like arsenic and sulfide into orpiment, a less hazardous mineral.
Researchers have discovered this unusual “fighting poison with poison” strategy in PLOS Biology. The study reveals that the worm accumulates particles of arsenic in its skin cells, which then react with sulfide from the hydrothermal vent fluids to form orpiment.
This novel detoxification process allows the worm to neutralize the deadly threat and survive in an environment where no other animals can live. The discovery provides new insights into how marine invertebrates interact with toxic elements and could change our understanding of life’s resilience in extreme environments.
The study also highlights a fascinating convergence of biology and art history, as orpiment was once prized by medieval and Renaissance painters. Researchers hope that this finding will encourage scientists to rethink how they approach studying life in the ocean.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250827010729.htm