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nematodes oozing with lifespan-extending pheromones, many animals on Earth secrete chemicals with effects similar to those produced by Arrakis’s giant sandworms."/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="medium" content="website"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" name="guid" content="drn:src:natgeo:unison::prod:45daf012-da2b-430d-b0b3-f95e794c48a7"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:site_name" content="Science"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:title" content="The real science behind Dune’s ‘spice melange’"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:description" content="From hallucinogenic fish to nematodes oozing with lifespan-extending pheromones, many animals on Earth secrete chemicals with effects similar to those produced by Arrakis’s giant sandworms."/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:url" content="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/psychedelic-animals-dune-spice-melange"/><meta data-react-helmet="true" property="og:image" 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WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">From hallucinogenic fish to nematodes oozing with lifespan-extending pheromones, many animals on Earth secrete chemicals with effects similar to those produced by Arrakis’s giant sandworms.</span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="pFYvw GpQCA pWDoc NAOo tRYWy vzGeY Zuecj ilnrB HZlx SHYeL "><div class="KwyL lZur ymbLA qTfbe "><div class="lZur TmzDJ bmjsw " data-testid="prism-copyright-wrapper"><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=374&h=322, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=748&h=644 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=413&h=356, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=826&h=712 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=767&h=661, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1534&h=1322 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1024&h=882, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=2048&h=1764 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1260&h=1085, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=2520&h=2170 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1440&h=1240, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=2880&h=2480 2x"/><img alt="A colorized electron micrographic view of a worm-like organism" class="hsDdd DXqUA bmjsw TmzDJ " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg" style="object-position:"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU eEzcu lZur WNdIy TIUFF muhVV Xeksr xpas rvnTO LmJXV jDBqB JKtQY MjpIc FSYrT XDDX fbYSs YsEBg ppVJr pQPqS XZhpq IYEIp ErMbF PslZr tdGQ TKjnq JZkow DqtYD HKcyL YrHlS QPfVG cidaA " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">The <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> worm is a soil-dwelling nematode that can suspend it's early life by entering what's known as a 'dauer state.' and capable of dramatically extending its life expectancy.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Micrograph by Steve Gschmeissner, Science Photo Library</span></div></div><div class="GEuLh zbpuP xsxwB fJdcs pfFen lfEIF CdGew BPRMK XXMsk vnNgJ a-dSUk kdOz ghiUR JKtQY RONPx pQPqS klBqD LvuSi pVIYM "><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs DqtYD nfZnv wgEBU " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xl:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xxl:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-start-xxs:1;--grid-column-start-xs:1;--grid-column-start-sm:1;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:1;--grid-column-start-xl:1;--grid-column-start-xxl:1"><div class="QHblV nkdHX mHUQ kvZxL hTosT whbOj eBWOP oNdtD gexi tdcBn iruwX kInuP BWFmj qIZQX xvuSz RSdFn vjrKj YnDa aOdPl " data-testid="prism-byline"><div class="VZTD mLASH BQWr OcxMG oJce "><div class="kKfXc ubAkB VZTD rEPuv "><div class="TQPvQ fVlAg HUcap kxY REjk UamUc WxHIR HhZOB yaUf VOJBn KMpjV XSbaH Umfib ukdDD "><span class="tChGB zbFav ">By</span><span>Maddie Stone</span></div><div class="VZTD mLASH gpiba "><div class="jTKbV zIIsP ZdbeE xAPpq QtiLO JQYD ">November 14, 2024</div></div></div></div><div class="RwkLV Wowzl FokqZ LhXlJ FjRYD toBqx " data-testid="prism-share"><div class="JpUfa aYoBt "><ul class="MZaCt dUXCH nyWZo RnMws Hdwln WBHfo tAchw UDeQM XMkl NUfbq kqfZ "><li class="WEJto "><button aria-label="Share Story on Facebook" class="theme-Feili mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf ZXRVe jIRH NoTgg CKnnA uklrk nCmVc qWWFI nMRSd YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN aANqO aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB ihLsD niWVk AAqU fctVp ENhiS kCffO kOEGk WMbJE eVJEc TElCQ ZAqMY enocc pJSQ ABRfR aaksc OKklU ATKRo RfOGv neOGk fuOso DwqSE fnpin ArvQf dUniT Mzjkf Niff NKnwO ijAAn dEuPM vwJ JmUFf sgyq cRbVn sBVbK fCfdG oMkBz aOwuK XsORH EgRXa hMVHb LTwlP jJbTO CnYjj TiUFI qeCAC xqvdn JaQpT dAfv PNgfG fIWCu NewES UJNbG EgBCK UvFHa lCCRi XDQHW spAMS TPSuu sbdDW askuE VsLUC YHsrW pYmVc eHvZI qRTXS UOAZi JnwGa pAXEL nKDCU gTRVo iCOvJ znFR 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style="--spacing-top:40px;--spacing-bottom:32px;--spacing-child-top:initial;--spacing-child-bottom:24px;--spacing-firstChild-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-bottom:initial;--spacing-lastChild-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-bottom:initial;--spacing-compact-top:24px;--spacing-compact-bottom:32px;--spacing-firstChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-firstChild-compact-bottom:initial;--spacing-child-compact-top:initial;--spacing-child-compact-bottom:24px;--spacing-lastChild-compact-top:initial;--spacing-lastChild-compact-bottom:initial" class="dHdHP jLREf zXXje aGO eCClZ nTLv jLsYA gmuro TOSFd VmeZt sCkVm hkQai wGrlE MUuGM fciaN qQjt DhNVo Tgcqk IGLAf tWjkv "><div class="PrismArticleBody SingleColumn xvlfx ZRifP TKoO eaKKC EcdEg bOdfO qXhdi NFNeu UyHES " data-testid="prism-article-body"><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao MvWXB TjIXL aGjvy ebVHC ">The vial of blue liquid hovers over the Sister’s eye, a deadly threat and a promise of rebirth suspended in a sapphire droplet. Moments later, the poison enters her bloodstream and begins wreaking havoc on her body. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">This scene, from an early episode of HBO’s new <i class=" ">Dune</i> prequel series <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.hbo.com/dune-prophecy"><u class=" "><i class=" ">Dune: Prophecy</i></u></a>, showcases the fictional Water of Life, a powerful narcotic extracted from young sandworms on the desert planet Arrakis. Women belonging to the Bene Gesserit—the sisterhood of psychic political advisors the show revolves around—depend on it for some of their most important rites. Along with the spice melange, another by-product of Arrakis’s giant sandworms, the Water of Life helps Sisters enhance their senses, connect with their ancestors, and peer into the past and future. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The Bene Gesserit aren’t the only faction in <i class=" ">Dune</i> that rely on supersized worm secretions for their powers. So-called “Guild Navigators” consume large quantities of spice to induce a clairvoyant state of mind, allowing them to guide starships across interstellar space. The “Fremen" people of Arrakis, meanwhile, eat spice for its mind-altering properties and health benefits. </p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-1"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Numinous worm ooze that can extend lives and trigger out-of-body experiences sounds like pure fantasy. But there are animals right here on Earth that produce pheromones, chemical defenses, and other substances with similar properties.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“In <i class=" ">Dune,</i> a lot of things come across like superpowers,” Alison Schapker, the showrunner and executive producer of <i class=" ">Dune: Prophecy, </i>told <i class=" ">National Geographic</i>. Yet, Schapker says, even <i class=" ">Dune</i>’s most fantastical elements are often grounded “through the lens of evolution.”</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Here are a few examples of real-world evolution producing seemingly magical elixirs.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div><div class="InlineImage GpQCA lZur asrEW " data-testid="prism-inline-image"><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur gIjeL " data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><div class="lZur TmzDJ bmjsw " data-testid="prism-copyright-wrapper"><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=374&h=249, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=748&h=498 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=413&h=275, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=826&h=550 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=767&h=511, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1534&h=1022 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1024&h=683, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=2048&h=1366 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1260&h=840, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=2520&h=1680 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1440&h=960, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=2880&h=1920 2x"/><img alt="A school of fish with yellow stripes lengthwise along their silvery bodies." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR SjwtZ hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg" id="gettyimages-549038207"/></picture></div></div></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">A shoal of <i>Sarpa salpa</i> fish off the coast of the Medes Islands in Spain. Consuming the fish sometimes causes intense hallucinations. Not widely studied, some believe this may result from how the fish is prepared.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Reinhard Dirscherl, ullstein bild/Getty Image</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">Dramatically prolonging life spans</h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Giant sandworm spice may have more commercial value, but on Earth humble nematodes produce an equally impressive arsenal of chemicals. These diverse, highly adaptable worms secrete a cocktail of powerful pheromones called <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/ascaroside"><u class=" ">ascarosides</u></a>. Like the Water of Life, some ascarosides act as a love potion, helping the worms attract mates. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Other ascarosides <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3733369/"><u class=" ">reshape nematodes’ anatomy</u></a>, similar to how prolonged spice exposure causes the Guild Navigators’ bodies to mutate. Some chemicals even cause nematodes to enter a hibernation state known as the <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nchembio.2007.3"><u class=" ">‘dauer stage</u></a>’ that can prolong their lifespan far more than a daily cup of spice-infused tea. </p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“This is a really cool life stage of the worm, because the normal life cycle lasts between five and 30 days, but [nematodes] can spend up to eight months in this dauer stage,”  says Michael Werner, a nematode expert at the University of Utah. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Nematode pheromones probably can’t trigger hallucinations (although Werner admits scientists haven’t investigated the matter). </p></div></div></div><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:12;--grid-column-span-xs:12;--grid-column-span-sm:12;--grid-column-span-md:24;--grid-column-span-lg:24;--grid-column-span-xl:24;--grid-column-span-xxl:24;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:auto;--grid-column-start-lg:auto;--grid-column-start-xl:auto;--grid-column-start-xxl:auto"><div class="bigVG QrHMO fnRUo pvsTF EhJPu vPlOC zNYgW OsTsW RMeqy daRVX ISNQ sKyCY eRftA acPPc MENS nFwaT MCnQE mEeeY SmBjI xegrY rPLsU iulOd NIuqO zzscu lzDCc aHUBM IEgzD OjMNy eQqcx SVqKB GQmdz jaoD VWDdR ONJdw vrZxD OnRTz gbbfF roDbV GPGwb oMlSS gfNzt oJhud eXZcf zhVlX OLpez "><div><div class="InlineImage GpQCA lZur asrEW " data-testid="prism-inline-image"><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="lZur TmzDJ bmjsw " data-testid="prism-copyright-wrapper"><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=374&h=249, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=748&h=498 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=413&h=275, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=826&h=550 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=718&h=479, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=1436&h=958 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=718&h=479, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=1436&h=958 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=1280&h=853, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=2560&h=1706 2x"/><img alt="A toad with its vocal sac filled with air as it prepares to call out to attract a mate." class="hsDdd vBqtr KrDt itslR zFTjo hakZw HlUVI UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg" id="01633572"/></picture></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC HkWF HfYhe kGyAC " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">The Sonoran Desert toad (<i>Incilius alvarius</i>) secretes a substance called DMT, otherwise known as the "god molecule." DMT is known to induce powerful hallucinations.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by John Cancalosi, Nature Picture Library</span></div></div></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">Psychedelic fauna above and below the sea </h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Several species of fish, amphibians, and possibly insects produce chemicals that can induce altered states, says Laura Orsolini, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, Italy, who co-authored a <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5992390/"><u class=" ">review paper</u></a> on so-called ‘psychedelic fauna’.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">There are very few formal studies of animal-derived psychedelics. In many cases, scientists don’t know which mind-altering chemicals are at play or why the animal produces them (although biologists often suspect natural hallucinogens serve a defensive role). Typically, researchers are only aware of an animal’s trippy effects thanks to anecdotal reports. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“Their use is completely experimental,” Orsolini says.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-2"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Experimenting with psychedelic animals can have powerful consequences. Take the <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/meet-the-hallucinogenic-fish-that-can-give-you-lsdesque-nightmares"><u class=" "><i class=" ">Sarpa salpa</i></u></a>, also known as the “dream” or “nightmare” fish. While this small, gold-striped denizen of the Mediterranean Sea looks harmless, people have occasionally experienced terrifying hallucinations after ingesting it. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">In one <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16615678/"><u class=" ">case study</u></a>, a 40-year-old vacationer became sick to his stomach several hours after eating <i class=" ">Sarpa salpa</i> at a restaurant on the French Riviera. The next day, he had to stop driving when his vision started to blur and giant, screaming insects appeared to swarm his car. </p><div class="oLzSq QrHMO GbsKS pvsTF EhJPu vPlOC zNYgW OsTsW AMhAA daRVX ISNQ sKyCY eRftA acPPc ebfE nFwaT MCnQE mEeeY SmBjI xegrY VvTxJ iulOd NIuqO zzscu lzDCc aHUBM hbvnu OjMNy eQqcx SVqKB GQmdz jaoD iShaE ONJdw vrZxD OnRTz gbbfF roDbV kRoBe oMlSS gfNzt oJhud eXZcf zhVlX "><div class="XQpSH zzkIM UtCfs sXthe lyRMG " data-testid="prism-divider"></div><div><section class="Kiog iKqXF CHWlW ZgZTu FlDNH hQfuy feniZ wBpop uAyYK yJYJo OGgqj tQHio PCVZs " data-testid="prism-collection"><header class="mLASH VZTD bhaVx "><div><h2 class="KuBvM RTkZF lFzlq GbVC HkWF exKgG kGyAC SwCrv ">You May Also Like</h2></div></header><div class="liAe uMOq zYIfP pYgZk Mxrkk VZTD lZur TPpRg NoUSU igcMP DtJWr QgBvn DFdlJ QGHKv VuOFc rRTs EwJTR UpiKB sKbok RsAxh msYPt zKjNI SXHxp OaElp halTF KzevM LFuuA xTOeQ jLoop " data-testid="prism-card"><a class="iVcn UbGlr ibBnq qdXbA avodi DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE QGHKv HNQqj ICwhc Bkgbl ZLXw kSqqG rEBmF " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/bad-bunny-coqui-puerto-rico" aria-label="This endangered toad just got a big boost from Bad Bunny" aria-describedby="Thisendangeredtoadjutags"><div class="hsDdd GpQCA lZur BOsoU YMZw dihEb srtah LmIPo JzlZQ qrShQ iRFVw ZZxEf zHngH jCA-DP TucPs XifJd MWLZF PEVz VbrfA zZsl kjmkg OwbFk QuuaM cBQOR "><div class="GpQCA lZur oVsVV nFtJ GHKp awJgN EuJtJ " data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=195&h=195, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=390&h=390 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=220&h=220, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=440&h=440 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq Bkgbl ZLXw kSqqG rEBmF "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT pJYTK " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Thisendangeredtoadjutags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">ANIMALS</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU nPLLM tuAKv " id="Thisendangeredtoadjuheadline">This endangered toad just got a big boost from Bad Bunny</h2></div></div></div></a></div><div class="liAe uMOq zYIfP pYgZk Mxrkk VZTD lZur TPpRg NoUSU igcMP DtJWr QgBvn DFdlJ QGHKv VuOFc rRTs EwJTR UpiKB sKbok RsAxh msYPt zKjNI SXHxp OaElp halTF KzevM LFuuA xTOeQ jLoop " data-testid="prism-card"><a class="iVcn UbGlr ibBnq qdXbA avodi DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE QGHKv HNQqj ICwhc Bkgbl ZLXw kSqqG rEBmF " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/sonoran-desert-toad-dmt-psychedelic-movement" aria-label="This toad can get you high—really, really high. Poachers have taken notice." aria-describedby="Thistoadcangetyouhigtags"><div class="hsDdd GpQCA lZur BOsoU YMZw dihEb srtah LmIPo JzlZQ qrShQ iRFVw ZZxEf zHngH jCA-DP TucPs XifJd MWLZF PEVz VbrfA zZsl kjmkg OwbFk QuuaM cBQOR "><div class="GpQCA lZur oVsVV nFtJ GHKp awJgN EuJtJ " data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/95379b5e-f079-4051-b8be-f01a6a03a507/naturepl_01633573_square.jpg?w=195&h=195, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/95379b5e-f079-4051-b8be-f01a6a03a507/naturepl_01633573_square.jpg?w=390&h=390 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/95379b5e-f079-4051-b8be-f01a6a03a507/naturepl_01633573_square.jpg?w=220&h=220, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/95379b5e-f079-4051-b8be-f01a6a03a507/naturepl_01633573_square.jpg?w=440&h=440 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/95379b5e-f079-4051-b8be-f01a6a03a507/naturepl_01633573_square.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq Bkgbl ZLXw kSqqG rEBmF "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT pJYTK " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Thistoadcangetyouhigtags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">ANIMALS</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU nPLLM tuAKv " id="Thistoadcangetyouhigheadline">This toad can get you high—really, really high. Poachers have taken notice.</h2></div></div></div></a></div><div class="liAe uMOq zYIfP pYgZk Mxrkk VZTD lZur TPpRg NoUSU igcMP DtJWr QgBvn DFdlJ QGHKv VuOFc EwJTR UpiKB sKbok RsAxh msYPt zKjNI SXHxp OaElp halTF KzevM LFuuA xTOeQ jLoop " data-testid="prism-card"><a class="iVcn UbGlr ibBnq qdXbA avodi DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE QGHKv HNQqj ICwhc Bkgbl ZLXw kSqqG rEBmF " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/vernal-pools-forest-life" aria-label="What lurks beneath the surface of these forest pools? More than you can imagine." aria-describedby="Whatlurksbeneaththestags"><div class="hsDdd GpQCA lZur BOsoU YMZw dihEb srtah LmIPo JzlZQ qrShQ iRFVw ZZxEf zHngH jCA-DP TucPs XifJd MWLZF PEVz VbrfA zZsl kjmkg OwbFk QuuaM cBQOR "><div class="GpQCA lZur oVsVV nFtJ GHKp awJgN EuJtJ " data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/81628829-2db4-4853-a12b-ab7a7720bf9d/MM9660_220429_025662_thumbnailsquarebig_square.jpg?w=195&h=195, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/81628829-2db4-4853-a12b-ab7a7720bf9d/MM9660_220429_025662_thumbnailsquarebig_square.jpg?w=390&h=390 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/81628829-2db4-4853-a12b-ab7a7720bf9d/MM9660_220429_025662_thumbnailsquarebig_square.jpg?w=220&h=220, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/81628829-2db4-4853-a12b-ab7a7720bf9d/MM9660_220429_025662_thumbnailsquarebig_square.jpg?w=440&h=440 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/81628829-2db4-4853-a12b-ab7a7720bf9d/MM9660_220429_025662_thumbnailsquarebig_square.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq Bkgbl ZLXw kSqqG rEBmF "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT pJYTK " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Whatlurksbeneaththestags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">ENVIRONMENT</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU nPLLM tuAKv " id="Whatlurksbeneaththesheadline">What lurks beneath the surface of these forest pools? More than you can imagine.</h2></div></div></div></a></div></section></div><div class="XQpSH zzkIM UtCfs Ufjyt " data-testid="prism-divider"></div></div><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">In another incident, a 90-year-old man started to hear “human screams and bird squealing” within hours of consuming the fish. While it’s unclear why only some people experience such effects after eating <i class=" ">Sarpa salpa</i>, it’s possible that <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13953563/"><u class=" ">how the fish is prepared,</u></a> including whether it is gutted before being cooked, plays a role.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Others have experienced bad “fishing trips” after eating the Greenland shark. Fermented Greenland shark meat is a beloved national dish in Iceland. But if the reclusive predator’s flesh is consumed fresh, it can cause vomiting, hallucinations, and temporary paralysis. Scientists believe the nerve toxin <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/004101019190193U"><u class=" ">trimethylamine</u></a>—a breakdown product of the trimethylamine oxide present in Greenland shark flesh—is responsible.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Not all psychedelic creatures dwell in the sea. Some evidence suggests that harvester ants from south and south-central California <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://psychedelics.berkeley.edu/resources/ritual-and-therapeutic-use-of-hallucinogenic-harvester-ants-pogonomyrmex-in-native-south-central-california/"><u class=" ">can</u></a> induce hallucinogenic visions, possibly due to psychoactive compounds in their venom. Meanwhile, the Sonoran Desert toad, <i class=" ">B. Alvarius</i>, produces a trippy venom from <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_desert_toad.php"><u class=" ">several of its skin glands</u></a>. </p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:728px;min-height:90px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-outstream ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-outstream" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-outstream-3"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The milky white substance contains 5-MeO-DMT, also known as the “god molecule” for its ability to transport users into a state of existential enlightenment.  </p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="Kiog gTIDq DtvAy ZcEtc IRwwZ "><div class="lZur asrEW "><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur " style="padding-bottom:66.66666666666666%" data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><div class="lZur TmzDJ bmjsw " data-testid="prism-copyright-wrapper"><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=374&h=249, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=748&h=498 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=413&h=275, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=826&h=550 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=767&h=511, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1534&h=1022 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1024&h=683, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=2048&h=1366 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1260&h=840, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=2520&h=1680 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1440&h=960, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=2880&h=1920 2x"/><img alt="A man dressed white kneeling down as he exhales smoke" class="hsDdd bmjsw TmzDJ DXqUA UMBA UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><button aria-label="Open 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class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">A toad venom ceremony participant prepares to inhale toad venom smoke.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Go Nakamura, The New York Times/Redux</span></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="lZur asrEW "><figure class="kzIjN GNmeK pYrtp dSqFO " data-testid="prism-figure"><div class="GpQCA lZur " style="padding-bottom:66.66666666666666%" data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><div class="lZur TmzDJ bmjsw " data-testid="prism-copyright-wrapper"><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 374px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=374&h=249, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=748&h=498 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 375px) and (max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=413&h=275, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=826&h=550 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=767&h=511, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1534&h=1022 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1024&h=683, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=2048&h=1366 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1440px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1260&h=840, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=2520&h=1680 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1441px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1440&h=960, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=2880&h=1920 2x"/><img alt="A man laying on his back atop a mat and blankets on the desert floor, drool coming from his mouth as his eyes seemingly stare at nothing." class="hsDdd bmjsw TmzDJ DXqUA UMBA UbGlr " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><button aria-label="Open Fullscreen" class="mLASH egFzk qXWHA ScoIf XbEWk jIRH nkbp OJpwZ hUQGO wSPfd ofvJb lIDy YIauu gGlNh ARCOA kyjTO xqlN gWRci aNnIu GDslh LjPJo RpDvg YYtC rTpcz EDgo UVTAB hswTp sXtkB AAqU fctVp ENhiS xjUSk NatTH NqeUA dZTKY QMxMQ LpcJi wardV kcRqD fhCRd MYLFX RkJsE iEOQC yaNWn ZUpvj HoXXr " data-testid="prism-ImageViewer_ExpandButton" type="button"><span class="CSJky pdAzW JSFPu "><svg aria-hidden="true" class=" " data-testid="prism-iconography" height="1em" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 48 48" width="1em" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" data-icon="view-fullscreenEnter"><path fill="currentColor" d="M6.48 11.24V16h3.04V9.52H16V6.48H6.48v4.76M32 8v1.52h6.48V16h3.04V6.48H32V8M6.48 36.76v4.76H16v-3.04H9.52V32H6.48v4.76m32-1.52v3.24H32v3.04h9.52V32h-3.04v3.24"/></svg></span></button><figcaption><div class="nhMGc uZRln ppewn "><div class="nMMea bNYiy Mjgpa dGwha DDmxa jgKNG RGHCC aBIU PriDW lZur tSkSq " data-testid="prism-caption"><div class="HXPPJ barbu yKsXL IzgMt VcHIt uhSzI YGNMU cRAsZ xqMcl QtRul "><span class="hsDdd OOSI GpQCA lZur VlFaz " data-testid="prism-truncate"><span><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ ">A toad venom ceremony participant lies down after inhaling toad venom smoke through a pipe. Scientists say that the Sonoran desert toad is at risk of population collapse and one reason may be illegal frog poaching to harvest their psychedelic secretions.</span></span></span></div><div class="qinlA IpWvx oqZz tylGM lyWxS nWcVF UhTug PPcLh "><span class="gtOSm FbbUW tUtYa vOCwz EQwFq yCufu eEak Qmvg nyTIa SRXVc vzLa jgBfc WXDas CiUCW kqbG zrdEG txGfn ygKVe BbezD UOtxr CVfpq xijV soGRS XgdC sEIlf daWqJ YNujN JGtjI aZFDu rkKLh ">Photograph by Go Nakamura, The New York Times/Redux</span></div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></figure></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Tuscon Herpetological Society president Robert Villa says psychedelic users likely first experimented with the toad’s venom in the 1980s. But demand for the toad is now surging thanks to the <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/chelsea-talks-cannabis-brand-smoking-toad-venom-marijuana-facials-more-at-upscale-vape-pen-launch-1184740/"><u class=" ">promotion of toad tripping </u></a>by celebrities and wellness influencers. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">While scientists aren’t yet sure whether the Sonoran desert toad has been seriously harmed by the black market trade, <a class="zZygg UbGlr iFzkS qdXbA WCDhQ DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/20/us/toad-venom-psychedelic.html"><u class=" ">Villa and others worry</u></a> that by the time researchers document a population decline, it will be “too late” to reverse.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“It's a wildlife product that actually produces the claims that are projected about it” unlike popular pseudo-medicinal products like rhino horn, Villa says. “That makes it much more difficult to dissuade people from using it.” </p><h2 class="RxNCg ykkUm PvZ nIjPJ PMXYp LmsHF SfAHY mNgye lNbol LBPRq rBLIK ">A timely parable </h2><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">The plight of the Sonoran Desert toad offers a warning to the Bene Gesserit, and others, who rely on sandworms for their psychoactive drugs. Werner, the worm expert, theorizes that overexploitation of the spice, which is harvested industrially on Arrakis by enormous mining machines, could have a devastating effect on the planet’s ecology.</p></div></div></div><div class="NYwzQ vUYNV glxIO ilAoG HPkGR "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" data-slot-kvps="pos=fitt-article-inline-box"></div></div></div></div><div class="FITT_Article_main_group_wrapper VZTD UeCOM jIRH oimqG DjbQm UwdmX Xmrlz ReShI KaJdY lqtkC ssImf HfYhe RTHNs iJVrZ " data-testid="prism-GridContainer"><div class="Kiog kNVGM nvpSA qwdi bmjsw " data-testid="prism-GridRow"><div class="theme-e oBTii mrzah " data-testid="prism-GridColumn" style="--grid-column-span-xxs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-xs:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-sm:var(--grid-columns);--grid-column-span-md:20;--grid-column-span-lg:16;--grid-column-span-xl:16;--grid-column-span-xxl:14;--grid-column-start-xxs:auto;--grid-column-start-xs:auto;--grid-column-start-sm:auto;--grid-column-start-md:3;--grid-column-start-lg:5;--grid-column-start-xl:5;--grid-column-start-xxl:6"><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“If you deplete all of the spice from Arrakis, or you go over some threshold tipping point, then you would lose the [sandworm] larvae” which consume it, he says. Losing the larvae means losing the giant sandworms, which, according to Frank Herbert’s novel <i class=" ">Dune</i>, produce a tremendous amount of the planet’s oxygen. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">This “would cause the ecosystem to collapse,” Werner says.</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">A potential ecological unraveling due to overexploitation of spice “mirrors our situation on Earth very, very closely,” Villa says. To avoid it, Villa says groups that depend on the spice must “figure out how to manage [it] cooperatively.”</p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">Protection of sandworms, the spice, and the desert planet that sustains both is a central issue in <i class=" ">Dune</i>, even if it’s not always driving the plot, Schapker says. </p><p class="EkqkG IGXmU nlgHS yuUao lqtkC TjIXL aGjvy ">“The pressure of a limited resource that the whole Imperium has come to depend on…can they sustain the usage of spice?” she asks. “There’s a lot at stake.”</p></div></div></div><div class="eTIW vUYNV glxIO ilAoG sUzSN "><div class="natgeo-ad" data-testid="prism-ad-wrapper" style="min-width:300px;min-height:250px;transition:min-height 0.3s linear 0s" data-ad-placeholder="true"><div data-box-type="fitt-adbox-fitt-article-inline-box" data-testid="prism-ad"><div class="Ad fitt-article-inline-box ad-slot " data-slot-type="fitt-article-inline-box" 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srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=718&h=539, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=1436&h=1078 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1260px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=300&h=225, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=600&h=450 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1261px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/ab7b21f5-a731-4cb2-9759-78380ffdd4c4/_DSC1858_Pristimantis_ruidus8_4x3.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq seFhp WtEci "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT sAjcO " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="ThisEcuadorianfrogwatags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">ANIMALS</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU " id="ThisEcuadorianfrogwaheadline">This Ecuadorian frog was lost for 100 years—until now</h2></div></div></div></a></div><div class="liAe uMOq zYIfP pYgZk Mxrkk hsDdd lZur TPpRg NoUSU igcMP DtJWr QgBvn DFdlJ MpFZk " data-testid="prism-card"><a class="iVcn UbGlr ibBnq qdXbA avodi DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE QGHKv rEPuv ICwhc seFhp WtEci dVINO " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/frogs-saunas-fungus-amphibians-deadly" aria-label="Amid amphibian apocalypse, ‘frog saunas’ offer promising solution" aria-describedby="Amidamphibianapocalytags"><div class="hsDdd GpQCA lZur BOsoU YMZw dihEb srtah LmIPo JzlZQ VbrfA zZsl kjmkg OwbFk QuuaM cBQOR "><div class="GpQCA lZur lIngG nFtJ GHKp awJgN EuJtJ " data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=300&h=225, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=600&h=450 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=718&h=539, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=1436&h=1078 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1260px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=300&h=225, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=600&h=450 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1261px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/c882d4c1-52de-4e43-9dd1-345d499440eb/Frog_Sauna_4x3.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq seFhp WtEci "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT sAjcO " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Amidamphibianapocalytags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">ANIMALS</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU " id="Amidamphibianapocalyheadline">Amid amphibian apocalypse, ‘frog saunas’ offer promising solution</h2></div></div></div></a></div><div class="liAe uMOq zYIfP pYgZk Mxrkk hsDdd lZur TPpRg NoUSU igcMP DtJWr QgBvn DFdlJ MpFZk " data-testid="prism-card"><a class="iVcn UbGlr ibBnq qdXbA avodi DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE QGHKv rEPuv ICwhc seFhp WtEci dVINO " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/cannibalism-common-leopards-fish-invertebrates" aria-label="Cannibalism in animals is 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srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/5de6ec90-7297-4776-9b56-0fa7fc2626c9/naturepl_01655258_4x3.jpg?w=350&h=262, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/5de6ec90-7297-4776-9b56-0fa7fc2626c9/naturepl_01655258_4x3.jpg?w=700&h=524 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1260px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/5de6ec90-7297-4776-9b56-0fa7fc2626c9/naturepl_01655258_4x3.jpg?w=195&h=146, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/5de6ec90-7297-4776-9b56-0fa7fc2626c9/naturepl_01655258_4x3.jpg?w=390&h=292 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1261px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/5de6ec90-7297-4776-9b56-0fa7fc2626c9/naturepl_01655258_4x3.jpg?w=400&h=300, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/5de6ec90-7297-4776-9b56-0fa7fc2626c9/naturepl_01655258_4x3.jpg?w=800&h=600 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/5de6ec90-7297-4776-9b56-0fa7fc2626c9/naturepl_01655258_4x3.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq seFhp WtEci "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT sAjcO " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Cannibalisminanimalstags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">ANIMALS</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU " id="Cannibalisminanimalsheadline">Cannibalism in animals is more common than you think</h2></div></div></div></a></div><div class="liAe uMOq zYIfP pYgZk Mxrkk hsDdd lZur TPpRg NoUSU igcMP DtJWr QgBvn DFdlJ MpFZk " data-testid="prism-card"><a class="iVcn UbGlr ibBnq qdXbA avodi DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE QGHKv rEPuv ICwhc seFhp WtEci dVINO " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/walkable-neighborhoods-health-benefits" aria-label="Why your neighborhood matters more for your health than you think" aria-describedby="Whyyourneighborhoodmtags"><div class="hsDdd GpQCA lZur BOsoU YMZw dihEb srtah LmIPo JzlZQ VbrfA zZsl kjmkg OwbFk QuuaM cBQOR "><div class="GpQCA lZur lIngG nFtJ GHKp awJgN EuJtJ " data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=300&h=225, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=600&h=450 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=350&h=263, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=700&h=526 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1260px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=195&h=146, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=390&h=292 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1261px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=400&h=300, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg?w=800&h=600 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/f655355d-9417-488e-b770-78fa5cdbd78c/NationalGeographic_2668158_4x3.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq seFhp WtEci "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT sAjcO " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Whyyourneighborhoodmtags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">SCIENCE</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU " id="Whyyourneighborhoodmheadline">Why your neighborhood matters more for your health than you think</h2></div></div></div></a></div><div class="liAe uMOq zYIfP pYgZk Mxrkk hsDdd lZur TPpRg NoUSU igcMP DtJWr QgBvn DFdlJ MpFZk " data-testid="prism-card"><a class="iVcn UbGlr ibBnq qdXbA avodi DbOXS tqUtK GpWVU iJYzE QGHKv rEPuv ICwhc seFhp WtEci dVINO " data-testid="prism-linkbase" href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/axolotls-stop-aging-medicine-dna" aria-label="Axolotls stop aging after four years—could studying them help humans live longer?" aria-describedby="Axolotlsstopagingafttags"><div class="hsDdd GpQCA lZur BOsoU YMZw dihEb srtah LmIPo JzlZQ VbrfA zZsl kjmkg OwbFk QuuaM cBQOR "><div class="GpQCA lZur lIngG nFtJ GHKp awJgN EuJtJ " data-testid="prism-ratio-frame"><div class="FvQLF iLTd NqeUA UzzHi iWsMV "><picture data-testid="prism-picture"><source media="(max-width: 413px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=300&h=225, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=600&h=450 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 414px) and (max-width: 767px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=612&h=459, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=1224&h=918 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=350&h=263, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=700&h=526 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1025px) and (max-width: 1260px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=195&h=146, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=390&h=292 2x"/><source media="(min-width: 1261px)" srcSet="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=400&h=300, https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg?w=800&h=600 2x"/><img alt="" class="hsDdd " data-testid="prism-image" draggable="false" src="https://i.natgeofe.com/n/93d10a77-172d-4b72-849d-65421e23c136/GettyImages-1418401233_4x3.jpg"/></picture></div></div></div><div class="QGHKv iVcn avodi rEPuv ICwhc ibBnq seFhp WtEci "><div class="VZTD rEPuv QXDKT sAjcO " data-testid="prism-meta"><div class="CJAFL gDeX "><div class="mLASH VZTD UeCOM wSnmx ltDkr MjHGf rmiAn vvBSK " id="Axolotlsstopagingafttags"><div class="wXbPV YAJid wPGsL ">SCIENCE</div></div><h2 class="PFoxV eBpQD rcQBv bQtjQ lQUdN GpQCA mAkiF FvMyr WvoqU " id="Axolotlsstopagingaftheadline">Axolotls stop aging after four years—could studying them help humans live longer?</h2></div></div></div></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></main></div></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div class="FrameBackgroundFull"><div class="FrameBackgroundFull__BackgroundImage" aria-hidden="true"><div class="BackgroundImage"><div class="RatioFrame aspect-ratio--16x9"></div></div></div><div class="GeneralContainer"><div></div></div></div><div class="FrameBackgroundFull"><div class="FrameBackgroundFull__BackgroundImage" aria-hidden="true"><div class="BackgroundImage"><div class="RatioFrame aspect-ratio--16x9"></div></div></div><div class="GeneralContainer"></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div id="natgeo-marketing-inline-email-footer-frame1-module2" class="StackModule"></div></div><div class="ResponsiveWrapper"><div 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Moments later, the poison enters her bloodstream and begins wreaking havoc on her body. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html1","cntnt":{"mrkup":"This scene, from an early episode of HBO’s new <i>Dune</i> prequel series <a href=\"https://www.hbo.com/dune-prophecy\"><u><i>Dune: Prophecy</i></u></a>, showcases the fictional Water of Life, a powerful narcotic extracted from young sandworms on the desert planet Arrakis. Women belonging to the Bene Gesserit—the sisterhood of psychic political advisors the show revolves around—depend on it for some of their most important rites. Along with the spice melange, another by-product of Arrakis’s giant sandworms, the Water of Life helps Sisters enhance their senses, connect with their ancestors, and peer into the past and future. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html2","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The Bene Gesserit aren’t the only faction in <i>Dune</i> that rely on supersized worm secretions for their powers. So-called “Guild Navigators” consume large quantities of spice to induce a clairvoyant state of mind, allowing them to guide starships across interstellar space. The “Fremen\" people of Arrakis, meanwhile, eat spice for its mind-altering properties and health benefits. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html3","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Numinous worm ooze that can extend lives and trigger out-of-body experiences sounds like pure fantasy. But there are animals right here on Earth that produce pheromones, chemical defenses, and other substances with similar properties."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html4","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“In <i>Dune,</i> a lot of things come across like superpowers,” Alison Schapker, the showrunner and executive producer of <i>Dune: Prophecy, </i>told <i>National Geographic</i>. Yet, Schapker says, even <i>Dune</i>’s most fantastical elements are often grounded “through the lens of evolution.”"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html5","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Here are a few examples of real-world evolution producing seemingly magical elixirs."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"abc5a3f0-d8fb-4e41-9cee-30e892376576","cntnt":{"cmsType":"image","ariaLabel":"image","align":"browserWidth","belowParagraph":true,"envNme":"prod","flags":{"hideTitle":true,"hideAssetSource":true},"qryStr":"userab=ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126&forceMode=fitt","mrkup":"","placement":"inline"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html6","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>Dramatically prolonging life spans</b>"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html7","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Giant sandworm spice may have more commercial value, but on Earth humble nematodes produce an equally impressive arsenal of chemicals. These diverse, highly adaptable worms secrete a cocktail of powerful pheromones called <a href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/ascaroside\"><u>ascarosides</u></a>. Like the Water of Life, some ascarosides act as a love potion, helping the worms attract mates. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html8","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Other ascarosides <a href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3733369/\"><u>reshape nematodes’ anatomy</u></a>, similar to how prolonged spice exposure causes the Guild Navigators’ bodies to mutate. Some chemicals even cause nematodes to enter a hibernation state known as the <a href=\"https://www.nature.com/articles/nchembio.2007.3\"><u>‘dauer stage</u></a>’ that can prolong their lifespan far more than a daily cup of spice-infused tea. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html9","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“This is a really cool life stage of the worm, because the normal life cycle lasts between five and 30 days, but [nematodes] can spend up to eight months in this dauer stage,”  says Michael Werner, a nematode expert at the University of Utah. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html10","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Nematode pheromones probably can’t trigger hallucinations (although Werner admits scientists haven’t investigated the matter). "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"cba7fee1-5acf-4cbc-b07d-3a19d466a5a0","cntnt":{"cmsType":"image","ariaLabel":"image","align":"pageWidth","belowParagraph":true,"envNme":"prod","flags":{"hideTitle":true,"hideAssetSource":true},"qryStr":"userab=ng_pw_copy-287*variant_a-1126&forceMode=fitt","mrkup":"","placement":"inline"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html11","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>Psychedelic fauna above and below the sea </b>"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html12","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Several species of fish, amphibians, and possibly insects produce chemicals that can induce altered states, says Laura Orsolini, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, Italy, who co-authored a <a href=\"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5992390/\"><u>review paper</u></a> on so-called ‘psychedelic fauna’."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html13","cntnt":{"mrkup":"There are very few formal studies of animal-derived psychedelics. In many cases, scientists don’t know which mind-altering chemicals are at play or why the animal produces them (although biologists often suspect natural hallucinogens serve a defensive role). Typically, researchers are only aware of an animal’s trippy effects thanks to anecdotal reports. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html14","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“Their use is completely experimental,” Orsolini says."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html15","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Experimenting with psychedelic animals can have powerful consequences. Take the <a href=\"https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/meet-the-hallucinogenic-fish-that-can-give-you-lsdesque-nightmares\"><u><i>Sarpa salpa</i></u></a>, also known as the “dream” or “nightmare” fish. While this small, gold-striped denizen of the Mediterranean Sea looks harmless, people have occasionally experienced terrifying hallucinations after ingesting it. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html16","cntnt":{"mrkup":"In one <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16615678/\"><u>case study</u></a>, a 40-year-old vacationer became sick to his stomach several hours after eating <i>Sarpa salpa</i> at a restaurant on the French Riviera. The next day, he had to stop driving when his vision started to blur and giant, screaming insects appeared to swarm his car. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html17","cntnt":{"mrkup":"In another incident, a 90-year-old man started to hear “human screams and bird squealing” within hours of consuming the fish. While it’s unclear why only some people experience such effects after eating <i>Sarpa salpa</i>, it’s possible that <a href=\"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13953563/\"><u>how the fish is prepared,</u></a> including whether it is gutted before being cooked, plays a role."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html18","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Others have experienced bad “fishing trips” after eating the Greenland shark. Fermented Greenland shark meat is a beloved national dish in Iceland. But if the reclusive predator’s flesh is consumed fresh, it can cause vomiting, hallucinations, and temporary paralysis. Scientists believe the nerve toxin <a href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/004101019190193U\"><u>trimethylamine</u></a>—a breakdown product of the trimethylamine oxide present in Greenland shark flesh—is responsible."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html19","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Not all psychedelic creatures dwell in the sea. Some evidence suggests that harvester ants from south and south-central California <a href=\"https://psychedelics.berkeley.edu/resources/ritual-and-therapeutic-use-of-hallucinogenic-harvester-ants-pogonomyrmex-in-native-south-central-california/\"><u>can</u></a> induce hallucinogenic visions, possibly due to psychoactive compounds in their venom. Meanwhile, the Sonoran Desert toad, <i>B. Alvarius</i>, produces a trippy venom from <a href=\"https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_desert_toad.php\"><u>several of its skin glands</u></a>. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html20","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The milky white substance contains 5-MeO-DMT, also known as the “god molecule” for its ability to transport users into a state of existential enlightenment.  "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"66e96cc7-a79e-4b5e-8456-e1e5a7475237","cntnt":{"cmsType":"imagegroup","hasCopyright":true,"id":"66e96cc7-a79e-4b5e-8456-e1e5a7475237","align":"browserWidth","groupCredit":"Photographs by Go Nakamura, The New York Times/Redux","images":[{"aspectRatio":1.5,"alt":"A man dressed white kneeling down as he exhales smoke","caption":"A toad venom ceremony participant prepares to inhale toad venom smoke.","image":{"crps":[{"nm":"raw","aspRto":1.5,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg"},{"nm":"16x9","aspRto":1.7777777777777777,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043_16x9.jpg"},{"nm":"3x2","aspRto":1.5,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043_3x2.jpg"},{"nm":"square","aspRto":1,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043_square.jpg"},{"nm":"2x3","aspRto":0.6666666666666666,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043_2x3.jpg"},{"nm":"3x4","aspRto":0.75,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043_3x4.jpg"},{"nm":"4x3","aspRto":1.3333333333333333,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043_4x3.jpg"},{"nm":"2x1","aspRto":2,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043_2x1.jpg"}],"rt":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg","altText":"A man dressed white kneeling down as he exhales smoke","crdt":"Photograph by Go Nakamura, The New York Times/Redux","dsc":"A toad venom ceremony participant prepares to inhale toad venom smoke in Huntsville, Texas, March 5, 2022. In a sign of unintended consequences of the psychedelic resurgence, scientists say that the Sonoran desert toad is at risk of population collapse.","ttl":"h_15670043","rchDsc":{"markup":"A toad venom ceremony participant prepares to inhale toad venom smoke in Huntsville, Texas, March 5, 2022. In a sign of unintended consequences of the psychedelic resurgence, scientists say that the Sonoran desert toad is at risk of population collapse."},"rchTtl":{"markup":"h_15670043"}},"src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg"},{"aspectRatio":1.5,"alt":"A man laying on his back atop a mat and blankets on the desert floor, drool coming from his mouth as his eyes seemingly stare at nothing.","caption":"A toad venom ceremony participant lies down after inhaling toad venom smoke through a pipe. Scientists say that the Sonoran desert toad is at risk of population collapse and one reason may be illegal frog poaching to harvest their psychedelic secretions.","image":{"crps":[{"nm":"raw","aspRto":1.5,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg"},{"nm":"16x9","aspRto":1.7777777777777777,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045_16x9.jpg"},{"nm":"3x2","aspRto":1.5,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045_3x2.jpg"},{"nm":"square","aspRto":1,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045_square.jpg"},{"nm":"2x3","aspRto":0.6666666666666666,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045_2x3.jpg"},{"nm":"3x4","aspRto":0.75,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045_3x4.jpg"},{"nm":"4x3","aspRto":1.3333333333333333,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045_4x3.jpg"},{"nm":"2x1","aspRto":2,"url":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045_2x1.jpg"}],"rt":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg","altText":"A man laying on his back atop a mat and blankets on the desert floor, drool coming from his mouth as his eyes seemingly stare at nothing.","crdt":"Photograph by Go Nakamura, The New York Times/Redux","dsc":"A toad venom ceremony participant lies down after inhaling toad venom smoke through a pipe in Huntsville, Texas, March 5, 2022. In a sign of unintended consequences of the psychedelic resurgence, scientists say that the Sonoran desert toad is at risk of population collapse.","ttl":"h_15670045","rchDsc":{"markup":"A toad venom ceremony participant lies down after inhaling toad venom smoke through a pipe in Huntsville, Texas, March 5, 2022. In a sign of unintended consequences of the psychedelic resurgence, scientists say that the Sonoran desert toad is at risk of population collapse."},"rchTtl":{"markup":"h_15670045"}},"src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg"}],"size":"large"},"type":"inline","style":{}},{"id":"html21","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Tuscon Herpetological Society president Robert Villa says psychedelic users likely first experimented with the toad’s venom in the 1980s. But demand for the toad is now surging thanks to the <a href=\"https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/chelsea-talks-cannabis-brand-smoking-toad-venom-marijuana-facials-more-at-upscale-vape-pen-launch-1184740/\"><u>promotion of toad tripping </u></a>by celebrities and wellness influencers. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html22","cntnt":{"mrkup":"While scientists aren’t yet sure whether the Sonoran desert toad has been seriously harmed by the black market trade, <a href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/20/us/toad-venom-psychedelic.html\"><u>Villa and others worry</u></a> that by the time researchers document a population decline, it will be “too late” to reverse."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html23","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“It's a wildlife product that actually produces the claims that are projected about it” unlike popular pseudo-medicinal products like rhino horn, Villa says. “That makes it much more difficult to dissuade people from using it.” "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html24","cntnt":{"mrkup":"<b>A timely parable </b>"},"type":"h2","style":{}},{"id":"html25","cntnt":{"mrkup":"The plight of the Sonoran Desert toad offers a warning to the Bene Gesserit, and others, who rely on sandworms for their psychoactive drugs. Werner, the worm expert, theorizes that overexploitation of the spice, which is harvested industrially on Arrakis by enormous mining machines, could have a devastating effect on the planet’s ecology."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html26","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“If you deplete all of the spice from Arrakis, or you go over some threshold tipping point, then you would lose the [sandworm] larvae” which consume it, he says. Losing the larvae means losing the giant sandworms, which, according to Frank Herbert’s novel <i>Dune</i>, produce a tremendous amount of the planet’s oxygen. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html27","cntnt":{"mrkup":"This “would cause the ecosystem to collapse,” Werner says."},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html28","cntnt":{"mrkup":"A potential ecological unraveling due to overexploitation of spice “mirrors our situation on Earth very, very closely,” Villa says. To avoid it, Villa says groups that depend on the spice must “figure out how to manage [it] cooperatively.”"},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html29","cntnt":{"mrkup":"Protection of sandworms, the spice, and the desert planet that sustains both is a central issue in <i>Dune</i>, even if it’s not always driving the plot, Schapker says. "},"type":"p","style":{}},{"id":"html30","cntnt":{"mrkup":"“The pressure of a limited resource that the whole Imperium has come to depend on…can they sustain the usage of spice?” she asks. “There’s a lot at stake.”"},"type":"p","style":{}}],"cid":"drn:src:natgeo:unison::prod:45daf012-da2b-430d-b0b3-f95e794c48a7","cntrbGrp":[{"contributors":[{"displayName":"Maddie Stone"}],"title":"By","rl":"Writer"}],"mode":"richtext","enableAds":true,"endbug":true,"hsImmrsvLd":true,"isMetered":false,"isUserAuthed":false,"isTruncated":false,"isEntitled":false,"freemiumContentGatingEnabled":true,"premiumContentGatingEnabled":false,"mdDt":"2024-11-14T19:59:48.894Z","schma":{"athrs":[{"name":"Maddie Stone"}],"cnnicl":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/psychedelic-animals-dune-spice-melange","kywrds":"Dune spice melange, spice melange, nematodes, Bene Gesserit, Dune Sandworm, worm anatomy, god molecule, ascarosides, Animal psychedelics, Extend Worm Lifespan, animal-derived psychedelics","lg":"https://assets-cdn.nationalgeographic.com/natgeo/static/default.NG.logo.dark.jpg","pblshr":"National Geographic","abt":"Drugs","sclDsc":"From hallucinogenic fish to nematodes oozing with lifespan-extending pheromones, many animals on Earth secrete chemicals with effects similar to those produced by Arrakis’s giant sandworms.","sclImg":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM_16x9.jpg?w=1200","sclTtl":"The real science behind Dune’s ‘spice melange’"},"sctn":"Science","wrdcnt":1361,"dt":"2024-11-14T20:01:37.593Z","prismData":{"mainComponents":[{"name":"Body","props":{"body":[[{"type":"p","content":["The vial of blue liquid hovers over the Sister’s eye, a deadly threat and a promise of rebirth suspended in a sapphire droplet. Moments later, the poison enters her bloodstream and begins wreaking havoc on her body."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["This scene, from an early episode of HBO’s new ",{"type":"i","content":["Dune"]}," prequel series ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":[{"type":"i","content":["Dune: Prophecy"]}]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.hbo.com/dune-prophecy"}},", showcases the fictional Water of Life, a powerful narcotic extracted from young sandworms on the desert planet Arrakis. Women belonging to the Bene Gesserit—the sisterhood of psychic political advisors the show revolves around—depend on it for some of their most important rites. Along with the spice melange, another by-product of Arrakis’s giant sandworms, the Water of Life helps Sisters enhance their senses, connect with their ancestors, and peer into the past and future."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["The Bene Gesserit aren’t the only faction in ",{"type":"i","content":["Dune"]}," that rely on supersized worm secretions for their powers. So-called “Guild Navigators” consume large quantities of spice to induce a clairvoyant state of mind, allowing them to guide starships across interstellar space. The “Fremen\" people of Arrakis, meanwhile, eat spice for its mind-altering properties and health benefits."," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-1"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["Numinous worm ooze that can extend lives and trigger out-of-body experiences sounds like pure fantasy. But there are animals right here on Earth that produce pheromones, chemical defenses, and other substances with similar properties."]},{"type":"p","content":["“In ",{"type":"i","content":["Dune,"]}," a lot of things come across like superpowers,” Alison Schapker, the showrunner and executive producer of ",{"type":"i","content":["Dune: Prophecy, "]},"told ",{"type":"i","content":["National Geographic"]},". Yet, Schapker says, even ",{"type":"i","content":["Dune"]},"’s most fantastical elements are often grounded “through the lens of evolution.”"]},{"type":"p","content":["Here are a few examples of real-world evolution producing seemingly magical elixirs."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Image","props":{"link":{},"caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Reinhard Dirscherl, ullstein bild/Getty Image","source":"","text":"A shoal of <i>Sarpa salpa</i> fish off the coast of the Medes Islands in Spain. Consuming the fish sometimes causes intense hallucinations. Not widely studied, some believe this may result from how the fish is prepared.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapperProps":{"columnConfig":{"span":{"base":100,"md":20,"lg":16,"xxl":14},"start":{"md":3,"lg":5,"xxl":6}}}},"image":{"id":"gettyimages-549038207","showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.","alt":"A school of fish with yellow stripes lengthwise along their silvery bodies.","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=413&h=275","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=826&h=550"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=767&h=511","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1534&h=1022"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":767},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1024&h=683","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=2048&h=1366"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":1024},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1260&h=840","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=2520&h=1680"},"max":1440,"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1260},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=1440&h=960","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/76aa3bf3-35bc-44ea-856a-97b95b4f9b38/GettyImages-549038207.jpg?w=2880&h=1920"},"min":1441,"nativeWidth":1440}]},"ratio":"3x2","disableFullscreen":false},"context":{},"config":{"align":"full","alignXxs":"full","gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"h2","content":["Dramatically prolonging life spans"]},{"type":"p","content":["Giant sandworm spice may have more commercial value, but on Earth humble nematodes produce an equally impressive arsenal of chemicals. These diverse, highly adaptable worms secrete a cocktail of powerful pheromones called ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["ascarosides"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/ascaroside"}},". Like the Water of Life, some ascarosides act as a love potion, helping the worms attract mates."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Other ascarosides ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["reshape nematodes’ anatomy"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3733369/"}},", similar to how prolonged spice exposure causes the Guild Navigators’ bodies to mutate. Some chemicals even cause nematodes to enter a hibernation state known as the ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["‘dauer stage"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nature.com/articles/nchembio.2007.3"}},"’ that can prolong their lifespan far more than a daily cup of spice-infused tea."," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["“This is a really cool life stage of the worm, because the normal life cycle lasts between five and 30 days, but [nematodes] can spend up to eight months in this dauer stage,”"," "," says Michael Werner, a nematode expert at the University of Utah."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Nematode pheromones probably can’t trigger hallucinations (although Werner admits scientists haven’t investigated the matter)."," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Image","props":{"link":{},"caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by John Cancalosi, Nature Picture Library","source":"","text":"The Sonoran Desert toad (<i>Incilius alvarius</i>) secretes a substance called DMT, otherwise known as the \"god molecule.\" DMT is known to induce powerful hallucinations.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapperProps":{"columnConfig":{"span":{"base":100,"md":20,"lg":16,"xxl":14},"start":{"md":3,"lg":5,"xxl":6}},"className":{"esc":"kGyAC","QWb":"HkWF"}}},"image":{"id":"01633572","showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.","alt":"A toad with its vocal sac filled with air as it prepares to call out to attract a mate.","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=413&h=275","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=826&h=550"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=718&h=479","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=1436&h=958"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=718&h=479","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=1436&h=958"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":718},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=1280&h=853","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/7c770950-ceb4-4a3f-9c88-b2777249145a/naturepl_01633572.jpg?w=2560&h=1706"},"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1280}]},"disableFullscreen":false},"context":{},"config":{"align":"full","alignXxs":"full","gridDisplayMode":"full"}}},[{"type":"h2","content":["Psychedelic fauna above and below the sea"," "]},{"type":"p","content":["Several species of fish, amphibians, and possibly insects produce chemicals that can induce altered states, says Laura Orsolini, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, Italy, who co-authored a ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["review paper"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5992390/"}}," on so-called ‘psychedelic fauna’."]},{"type":"p","content":["There are very few formal studies of animal-derived psychedelics. In many cases, scientists don’t know which mind-altering chemicals are at play or why the animal produces them (although biologists often suspect natural hallucinogens serve a defensive role). Typically, researchers are only aware of an animal’s trippy effects thanks to anecdotal reports."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["“Their use is completely experimental,” Orsolini says."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-2"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["Experimenting with psychedelic animals can have powerful consequences. Take the ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":[{"type":"i","content":["Sarpa salpa"]}]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/meet-the-hallucinogenic-fish-that-can-give-you-lsdesque-nightmares"}},", also known as the “dream” or “nightmare” fish. While this small, gold-striped denizen of the Mediterranean Sea looks harmless, people have occasionally experienced terrifying hallucinations after ingesting it."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["In one ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["case study"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16615678/"}},", a 40-year-old vacationer became sick to his stomach several hours after eating ",{"type":"i","content":["Sarpa salpa"]}," at a restaurant on the French Riviera. The next day, he had to stop driving when his vision started to blur and giant, screaming insects appeared to swarm his car."," "]},{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"ContentPromo","props":{"cards":[{"headline":"This endangered toad just got a big boost from Bad Bunny","image":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/bad-bunny-coqui-puerto-rico","imageRatio":"1x1","tags":[{"value":"ANIMALS","type":"text"}],"imageSources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=195&h=195","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=390&h=390"},"max":767,"nativeWidth":195},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=220&h=220","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/3d889e0c-7b05-4574-b6a7-408f47df7bda/NationalGeographic_1298830_Thumbnail_square.jpg?w=440&h=440"},"min":768,"nativeWidth":220}],"type":"floating","inline":true},{"headline":"This toad can get you high—really, really high. 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While it’s unclear why only some people experience such effects after eating ",{"type":"i","content":["Sarpa salpa"]},", it’s possible that ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["how the fish is prepared,"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/13953563/"}}," including whether it is gutted before being cooked, plays a role."]},{"type":"p","content":["Others have experienced bad “fishing trips” after eating the Greenland shark. Fermented Greenland shark meat is a beloved national dish in Iceland. But if the reclusive predator’s flesh is consumed fresh, it can cause vomiting, hallucinations, and temporary paralysis. Scientists believe the nerve toxin ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["trimethylamine"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/004101019190193U"}},"—a breakdown product of the trimethylamine oxide present in Greenland shark flesh—is responsible."]},{"type":"p","content":["Not all psychedelic creatures dwell in the sea. Some evidence suggests that harvester ants from south and south-central California ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["can"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://psychedelics.berkeley.edu/resources/ritual-and-therapeutic-use-of-hallucinogenic-harvester-ants-pogonomyrmex-in-native-south-central-california/"}}," induce hallucinogenic visions, possibly due to psychoactive compounds in their venom. Meanwhile, the Sonoran Desert toad, ",{"type":"i","content":["B. Alvarius"]},", produces a trippy venom from ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["several of its skin glands"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_desert_toad.php"}},"."," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"kvps":{"pos":"fitt-article-inline-outstream-3"},"type":"fitt-article-inline-outstream","className":"fitt-article-inline-outstream"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[320,50]},"regular":{"size":[728,90]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["The milky white substance contains 5-MeO-DMT, also known as the “god molecule” for its ability to transport users into a state of existential enlightenment."," "," "]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"ImageGroup","props":{"images":[{"src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg","alt":"A man dressed white kneeling down as he exhales smoke","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=413&h=275","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=826&h=550"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=767&h=511","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1534&h=1022"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":767},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1024&h=683","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=2048&h=1366"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":1024},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1260&h=840","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=2520&h=1680"},"max":1440,"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1260},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=1440&h=960","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/2e245000-f6c6-4e2d-bc8d-57fe25a9f61e/h_15670043.jpg?w=2880&h=1920"},"min":1441,"nativeWidth":1440}],"showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.","caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Go Nakamura, The New York Times/Redux","source":"","text":"A toad venom ceremony participant prepares to inhale toad venom smoke.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapper":"div","wrapperProps":{"className":"nhMGc uZRln CebRs "}}},{"src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg","alt":"A man laying on his back atop a mat and blankets on the desert floor, drool coming from his mouth as his eyes seemingly stare at nothing.","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=374&h=249","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=748&h=498"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=413&h=275","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=826&h=550"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=767&h=511","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1534&h=1022"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":767},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1024&h=683","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=2048&h=1366"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":1024},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1260&h=840","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=2520&h=1680"},"max":1440,"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1260},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=1440&h=960","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/1f5b93e7-99e6-4d15-a7f2-247d2a2cc34f/h_15670045.jpg?w=2880&h=1920"},"min":1441,"nativeWidth":1440}],"showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.","caption":{"title":"","credit":"Photograph by Go Nakamura, The New York Times/Redux","source":"","text":"A toad venom ceremony participant lies down after inhaling toad venom smoke through a pipe. Scientists say that the Sonoran desert toad is at risk of population collapse and one reason may be illegal frog poaching to harvest their psychedelic secretions.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More","showLess":false,"wrapper":"div","wrapperProps":{"className":"nhMGc uZRln ppewn "}}}],"ratio":{"height":360,"width":540},"disableFullscreen":false},"context":{},"config":{"align":"full","alignXxs":"full","gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["Tuscon Herpetological Society president Robert Villa says psychedelic users likely first experimented with the toad’s venom in the 1980s. But demand for the toad is now surging thanks to the ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["promotion of toad tripping "]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/chelsea-talks-cannabis-brand-smoking-toad-venom-marijuana-facials-more-at-upscale-vape-pen-launch-1184740/"}},"by celebrities and wellness influencers."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["While scientists aren’t yet sure whether the Sonoran desert toad has been seriously harmed by the black market trade, ",{"type":"a","content":[{"type":"u","content":["Villa and others worry"]}],"attrs":{"href":"https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/20/us/toad-venom-psychedelic.html"}}," that by the time researchers document a population decline, it will be “too late” to reverse."]},{"type":"p","content":["“It's a wildlife product that actually produces the claims that are projected about it” unlike popular pseudo-medicinal products like rhino horn, Villa says. “That makes it much more difficult to dissuade people from using it.”"," "]},{"type":"h2","content":["A timely parable"," "]},{"type":"p","content":["The plight of the Sonoran Desert toad offers a warning to the Bene Gesserit, and others, who rely on sandworms for their psychoactive drugs. Werner, the worm expert, theorizes that overexploitation of the spice, which is harvested industrially on Arrakis by enormous mining machines, could have a devastating effect on the planet’s ecology."]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}},[{"type":"p","content":["“If you deplete all of the spice from Arrakis, or you go over some threshold tipping point, then you would lose the [sandworm] larvae” which consume it, he says. Losing the larvae means losing the giant sandworms, which, according to Frank Herbert’s novel ",{"type":"i","content":["Dune"]},", produce a tremendous amount of the planet’s oxygen."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["This “would cause the ecosystem to collapse,” Werner says."]},{"type":"p","content":["A potential ecological unraveling due to overexploitation of spice “mirrors our situation on Earth very, very closely,” Villa says. To avoid it, Villa says groups that depend on the spice must “figure out how to manage [it] cooperatively.”"]},{"type":"p","content":["Protection of sandworms, the spice, and the desert planet that sustains both is a central issue in ",{"type":"i","content":["Dune"]},", even if it’s not always driving the plot, Schapker says."," "]},{"type":"p","content":["“The pressure of a limited resource that the whole Imperium has come to depend on…can they sustain the usage of spice?” she asks. “There’s a lot at stake.”"]}],{"type":"inline","content":{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":"fitt-article-inline-box","className":"fitt-article-inline-box"},"className":"natgeo-ad","placeholders":{"compact":{"size":[300,250]},"regular":{"size":[300,250]}},"initSelf":true},"context":{},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"}}}],"blockquote":{"disableQuotationMark":true,"simple":true},"dateline":null,"datelineSeparator":"—","wordCount":1158,"className":"PrismArticleBody SingleColumn"},"config":{"gridDisplayMode":"none"},"usesArticleObject":true}],"topComponents":[{"name":"Ad","props":{"ad":{"type":null,"className":null},"initSelf":true},"config":{}},{"name":"ArticleLead","props":{"alignCaptionToBody":true,"className":"SplitLead","colorMode":"dark","ctaSize":"m","description":"From hallucinogenic fish to nematodes oozing with lifespan-extending pheromones, many animals on Earth secrete chemicals with effects similar to those produced by Arrakis’s giant sandworms.","disableForMobile":true,"enableBackgroundColor":true,"focalPointX":"","focalPointY":"","hasByline":true,"image":{"caption":{"credit":"Micrograph by Steve Gschmeissner, Science Photo Library","source":"","text":"The <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i> worm is a soil-dwelling nematode that can suspend it's early life by entering what's known as a 'dauer state.' and capable of dramatically extending its life expectancy.","lines":3,"showMoreText":"Read More"},"image":{"alt":"A colorized electron micrographic view of a worm-like organism","src":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg","sources":[{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=374&h=322","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=748&h=644"},"max":374,"nativeWidth":374},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=413&h=356","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=826&h=712"},"max":413,"min":375,"nativeWidth":413},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=767&h=661","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1534&h=1322"},"max":767,"min":414,"nativeWidth":767},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1024&h=882","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=2048&h=1764"},"max":1024,"min":768,"nativeWidth":1024},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1260&h=1085","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=2520&h=2170"},"max":1440,"min":1025,"nativeWidth":1260},{"src":{"x1":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=1440&h=1240","x2":"https://i.natgeofe.com/n/82046a53-bc0f-468e-bc1b-4a270d4c240c/C0207166-C_elegans_worm_SEM.jpg?w=2880&h=2480"},"min":1441,"nativeWidth":1440}],"fetchPriority":"high","loading":"eager","showCopyright":"Please be respectful of copyright. 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