PopSci´s Invertebrate Hero of the Year award goes to the deep sea-dwelling crustacean Kiwa hirsuta, a hairy white beast discovered this year on the slopes of undersea volcanic vents. Scientists remain unsure what function the hairs on the so-called â€Yeti†crab´s legs play. One theory posits that they are bacteria farms that provide the lobster with a steady food supply.
<
IMAGE 1 OF 10
>
<
IMAGE 2 OF 10
>
E. coli Reared Its Tiny, Ugly Head
Photo by
Potentially poisonous gut-dwelling bacterium E. coli made a spectacular comeback in 2006, first tainting the fresh spinach supply, then victimizing patrons of Taco Bell, and finally taking its vicious toll on diners at an Olive Garden in Ohio. Nationwide, we worried about the integrity of our food supply.