Morgan forwarded this article about cuddling worms. Yes, researchers at Rockefeller University believe they've isolated the type of neuron that decides whether or not the worms are going to cuddle.

RMG is the name of the neuron, and it controls the 'hang out together' function of Caenorhabditis elegans. It processes all sorts of genetic and environmental factors to help it decide to be gregarious or not to be gregarious. Such factors include food avaliablity, oxygen levels, and the presence of popcorn and a good movie and one's lady friend by one's side.

I've found that my own RMG0-style neuron is responsive to only one stimulus input: the receptivity of my wife. We men, like these worms, are a simple creature.

Thanks, Morgan. You've brought the worm and human worlds that much closer. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, especially if you live in the tropics, but there it is.

Image courtesy of Rockefeller University via ScienceDaily.com[Image]