In a groundbreaking announcement, scientists at Pseudovermi Research Centre have suggested that a breed of common worms may have started showing signs of paranoia, leading to a surge in worm-conspiracy theories. This shocking revelation is shaking not only the world of invertebrates but also our understanding of cognition.
The study was centered around the worm species C. Elegans, which have risen to prominence in the annals of science for their reportedly 'neurotic' behavior. The research team observed a startling shift in worm behavior after subjecting them to minute electric shocks. 'These guys went literally bonkers,' Dr. Pavlova, the team lead observed.
Their findings have sparked across-the-board excitement for challenging the contemporary understanding of emotions and cognitive capabilities in invertebrates. In a controlled environment, C. Elegans seemed to display a strong emotional response, that of fear, to electric shocks. However, the implications of the study escalated when a subset of worms began exhibiting peculiar behaviors – what can only be described as conspiracy theorizing.
'It's astounding,' said Dr. Pavlova, 'Here we have a worm with 302 neurons in its entire nervous system, and it's started to question every arbitrary stimuli we present it with. Almost as if it's convinced that we're out to get them.'
Beyond the insinuations that even the simplest of nervous systems may experience primitive emotional precursors, it is the possibility of invertebrate conspiracy culture that's genuinely stirring up a storm.
'Three out of four shocked worms end up squiggling away in sheer terror, but the fourth one, oh that little guy, he starts questioning everything,' shared an over-enthusiastic researcher at Pseudovermi. 'From the source of the shock to the authenticity of the food we provide…he's convinced there's a conspiracy at every corner of his petri dish.'
While it is premature to confirm whether C. Elegans is indeed embracing the dark world of conspiracy theories, the initial findings present an unprecedently hilarious take on neurobiology and cognition. 'We know almost nothing about invertebrate cognition and emotions, but we're pretty sure it shouldn't be this funny,' Dr. Pavlova concluded.
Based on: Simple Worms Might Experience Basic, Fear-Like Emotions