All About Sponges

[Venetia]

Since Steve Frey has uncovered a variety of attributes of the sponge that seem to have much in common with this condition and that the Spicules could be the fibers found by sufferers:


Molecular Cloning of Silicatein Gene from Marine Sponge Petrosia ficiformis (Porifera, Demospongiae) and Development of Primmorphs as a Model for Biosilicification Studies
Journal Marine Biotechnology
Publisher Springer New York
ISSN 1436-2228 (Print) 1436-2236 (Online)
Issue Volume 6, Number 6 / December, 2004
DOI 10.1007/s10126-004-3036-y
Pages 594-603
Subject Collection Earth and Environmental Science
SpringerLink Date Thursday, March 03, 2005

Marina Pozzolini1, Laura Sturla4, Carlo Cerrano2, Giorgio Bavestrello5, Laura Camardella6, Anna Maria Parodi3, Federica Raheli1, Umberto Benatti1, Werner E.G. Müller7 and Marco Giovine8 Contact Information
(1) Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale-Sez, Biochimica e Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche, .
(2) Dipartimento per la Gestione del Territorio e delle Sue Risorse, .
(3) Dipartimento di Oncologia, Biologia e Genetica, Università di Genova, .
(4) Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova
(5) Dipartimento di Scienze del Mare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, .
(6) CNR-Istituto di Biochimica delle Proteine ed Enzimologia, Napoli
(7) Insitut für Physiologische Chemie, University of Mainz, .
( CNR-Direzione Progetto Finalizzato Biotecnologie, Via Leon Battista Alberti 4, 16132, Geneva

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Received: 20 October 2003 Accepted: 2 February 2004

Excerpt:
Abstract In some sponges peculiar proteins called silicateins catalyze silica polymerization in ordered structures, and their study is of high interest for possible biotechnological applications in the nanostructure industry. In this work we describe the isolation and the molecular characterization of silicatein from spicules of Petrosia ficiformis, a common Mediterranean sponge, and the development of a cellular model (primmorphs) suitable for in vitro studies of silicatein gene regulation. The spicule of P. ficiformis contains an axial filament composed of 2 insoluble proteins, of 30 and 23 kDa. The 23-kDa protein was characterized, and the full-length cDNA was cloned. The putative amino acid sequence has high homology with previously described silicateins from other sponge species and also is very similar to cathepsins, a cystein protease family. Finally, P. ficiformis primmorphs express the silicatein gene, suggesting that they should be a good model for biosilicification studies.

Keywords silicatein - siliceous spicules - primmorph

Above- the Spicule of P ficiformis - which contains 2 insoluble proteins of the same weight found by Robert Smith (one of them) at 30 kDa and a second at 23 kDa (not ID'd by RS)

Spicules are found in plants, animals and even in nematodes

[Venetia]

spicule: Definition from Answers.com

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Excerpt:
A small needlelike structure or part, such as one of the silicate or calcium carbonate processes supporting the soft tissue of certain invertebrates, especially sponges.

Excerpt:
Spicules are tiny spike-like structures of diverse origin and function found in many organisms, such as the copulatory spicules of certain nematodes or the grains on the skin of some frogs.

Sponge spicules

This article discusses the skeletal spicules that occur in most sponges. They provide structural support and deter predators. Large spicules, visible to the naked eye are referred to as megascleres, while smaller, microscopic ones are termed microscleres.

Spicules have four major symmetry types: Monaxon (simple cylinders with pointed ends), triaxon, tetraxon, and polyaxon. Sponges can be calcareous, siliceous, or composed of spongin. The meshing of many spicules serves as the sponge’s skeleton. The composition, size, and shape of spicules is one of the largest determining factors in sponge taxonomy.

Spicules are formed by sclerocytes, which are derived from archaeocytes. The sclerocyte begins with an organic filament, and adds **silica to it. Spicules are generally elongated at a rate of 1-10 μm per hour. Once the spicule reaches a certain length it protrudes from the sclerocyte cell body, but remains within the cell’s membrane. On occasion, sclerocytes may begin a second spicule while the first is still in progress.

((Silica- as per Hilde Staninger))

Research on the Euplectella aspergillum (Venus' Flower Basket) demonstrated that the spicules of certain deep-sea sponges have similar traits to Optical fibre. In addition to being able to trap and transport light, these spicules have a number of advantages over commercial fibre optic wire. They are stronger, resist stress easier, and form their own support elements. Also, the low-temperature formation of the spicules, as compared to the high temperature stretching process of commercial fibre optics, allows for the addition of impurities which improve the refractive index. In addition, these spicules have built-in lenses in the ends which gather and focus light in dark conditions. It has been theorized that this ability may function as a light source for symbiotic algae (as with Rosella racovitzae) or as an attractor for shrimp which live inside the Venus' Flower Basket. However, a conclusive decision has not been reached; it may be that the light capabilities are simply a coincidental trait from a purely structural element.

In a 2008 study using light-sensitive paper and Tethya aurantium, it was confirmed that spicules do funnel light deep inside sea sponges.[1]

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[Venetia]

What are spicules?


BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Nature's 'fibre optics' experts


Nature's 'fibre optics' experts
By Matt Walker

Sponge spicules (SPL)
The spicules of sponges viewed under high magnification

Sea sponges can beam light deep inside their bodies, and do so using the natural equivalent of fibre optic cables, scientists have found.


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Excerpts:




Sponges are among the oldest and simplest of Earth's animals.

The discovery that they use such a futuristic light transmission system has therefore delighted researchers.

The finding, made by a German team, is published in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.

Whereas other animals pass electrical currents around their bodies using nerve cells, sponges appear to be the only animals capable of transmitting light around their bodies in this way, the group says.

This may help explain why some sponges are able to grow so big, and also clear up a long-standing mystery about how other, much smaller organisms are able to live deep within the bodies of large sponges.

Glass skeletons

Sponges mainly live in the sea, and are extremely primitive organisms. They lack muscles, nerves and internal organs, for example, and are essentially a diverse set of cells supported by a hard exoskeleton.



Two of the three major types of sponge build their skeletons using special structures called spicules. These are made from silica and are basically glass rods. Previous experiments suggested that light can pass along these structures.

Now, Franz Brummer, of the University of Stuttgart, and colleagues have proved that living sponges use these internal glass rods as light conductors.

Light reaching the surface of the sponge is reflected off the insides of each spicule in much the same way light bounces along the inside of a fibre optic cable used to transmit electronic data. In doing so, light is beamed deep into the sponge.

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[Venetia]

Some plants have Spicules as well:


"Sandy Hook" beach and dune plants- Arenaria, Amaranth, Ammophila, Solidago, Xanthium, Cakile, Andropogon, Panicum, Rhus, Lepidium - Brookdale College Ocean Institute, Dave Grant, Sandy Hook, NJ - The Linnean List -

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(Below) The cactus look spineless but are covered with tiny spicules that can irritate the skin. Don't disturb them and do make sure your students do not inadvertently trample the plants.




Excerpt:
Wrinkles in the cactus stem allow it to expand and soak up moisture when it is available. The tough "skin" protects the plant from drying out and the clusters of spicules keep animals from grazing on the plant and fruit. Box turtles are one of the few animals that feed on prickly pear cactus.

[Venetia]

Gubernaculum (parasitology - encyclopedia article about Gubernaculum (parasitology.)

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Excerpt:
Gubernaculum (parasitology)

In parasitology, the gubernaculum is a sclerotized structure in the nematodal cloaca wall that is instrumental in guiding the protrusion of the spicule.

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Diagnosis of <i>Trichodorus obtusus</i> and <i>Paratrichodorus minor</i> on Turfgrasses in the Southeastern United States



Fig. 13. The posterior of a male Trichodorus obtusus. The spicules are large and curved, and no bursa is present. Three supplementary organs are located anterior to the base of the spicules.

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stubby-root nematode - Trichodorus obtusus Cobb

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Excerpt:

Nematodes in the family Trichodoridae (Thorne, 1935) Siddiqi, 1961, are commonly called "stubby-root" nematodes, because feeding by these nematodes can cause a stunted or "stubby" appearing root system. Trichodorus obtusus is one of the most damaging nematodes on turfgrasses, but also may cause damage to other crops.

Synonymy

Trichodorus proximus


Distribution
Trichodorus obtusus is only known to occur in the United States. A report of T. proximus (a synonym of T. obtusus) from Ivory Coast was later determined to be a different species. Trichodorus obtusus is reported in the states of Virginia, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New York and South Dakota. The author found T. obtusus infesting St. Augustinegrass lawns near Dallas, Texas.

Life Cycle and Biology
While large for a plant-parasitic nematode (about 1/16 inch long), T. obtusus is still small enough that it can be seen only with the aid of a microscope. Stubby-root nematodes are ectoparasitic nematodes, meaning that they feed on plants while their bodies remain in the soil. They feed primarily on meristem cells of root tips. Stubby-root nematodes are plant-parasitic nematodes in the Triplonchida, an order characterized by having a six-layer cuticle (body covering). Stubby- root nematodes are unique among plant-parasitic nematodes because they have an onchiostyle, a curved, solid stylet or spear they use in feeding. All other plant-parasitic nematodes have straight, hollow stylets. Stubby-root nematodes use their onchiostyle like a dagger to puncture holes in plant cells. The stubby root nematode then secretes from its mouth (stoma) salivary material into the punctured cell. The salivary material hardens into a feeding tube which functions as a "straw" enabling the nematode to withdraw and ingest the cell contents through the tube. After feeding on an individual cell, the stubby-root nematode will move on to feed on other cells, leaving old feeding tubes behind and forming new ones in each cell that it feeds from.

[tcmgpt13]

__ Five __

[carla]

Five what TC?

Venetia ,I am not disagreeing with Steve because there is remarkable similarities between Morgs and then Sponge.
I always believed the sponge was a huge part of it.
It wasn't until I found out the Government were creating Aids etc that I started to think Morgellons was manmade.
I totally believe in God now and I know he wouldn't inflict innocent people with anything he created.

[Venetia]

Carla,

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I agree that this condition (morgellons) is man made. Lyme was bioweaponized- as we know from great sources such as Lab 257- Plum Island and many other sources and I truly believe that Lyme is at the heart of this condition. The fibers, named Morgellons (after harsh hairs, cough), are a co-infection of Lyme and other pathogens, IMO.

Boyd Graves told us the story- which he documented- of how HIV/AIDS was created.

1971 U.S. Special 'HIV' Virus Flow Chart Download Link

Boyd E. Graves, J.D. The Man Who Solved AIDS

The History of the Development of AIDS

Then there is the Mycoplasma Fermentans Incognitus....

Other environmental toxins factor in in a big way as well, IMO. Someone got the formula for disabling people down to a fine art.

As to the sponge, I see where it could have a part in this but my focus is elsewhere for the most part. I can see the connection of the Bryozoans and water/sand as a vector.

The Bryozoans die and leave skeletons. Those skeletons are in sand. That is what sand is.... Silica is SAND and it would stand to reason that water would vector any pathogens in sand.

Diatoms- mentioned by researchers- are found in sand.

Diatoms create oil and are found in MTBE

Science Friday Archives: Oil from Diatoms

That connects gasoline/oil/MTBE and the Hex-shaped objects found by some in specimens.

It all ties.

-V-

[Venetia]

Afterthought:

Jan Smith found a Goldenhead- and it could be that this is the connection?

Chemical Communications Articles

Chem. Commun., 2005, 4905 - 4907, DOI: 10.1039/b508733c
Complex gold nanostructures derived by templating from diatom frustules

Dusan Losic, James G. Mitchell and Nicolas H. Voelcker

Excerpt:
Diatom frustules have been used for the first time as templates for the fabrication of gold nanostructures; high-precision replicas featuring complex three-dimensional gold nanostructures from the nano- to the microscale were achieved.



**

Diatoms

What Are Diatoms?

Diatoms are a protist (single cell organism) which is part of the family of eucaryotic (Cells that have nuclei) algae. There are two types of diatoms, pennales (pennate shaped), and centrales (circular shaped). Diatoms like all plant cells are photosynthetic, meaning they make their own sucrose (sugar) from light, water, and nutrients. Diatoms use oils to store sugar. The oil also keeps the diatoms afloat. Diatoms, as well, have a glass shell that surrounds the entire cell. A diatom will make their shells from silica, which is found in sand. Diatoms, like most of our cells in a human body, reproduce by dividing into two identical halves. After dividing, the two new diatom cells will have to find a silica source to create a glass shell, which is needed for their survival.

[Venetia]

When I was a kid, I would watch my Dad who was a bricklayer, building things. The sand that was used in the mortar was fascinating to me. Lots of tiny little shells and skeletons of many different sea animals. One of those animals, evidently, was the Bryozoan:

Home on the grain; minuscule and precocious, newly found species of aquatic invertebrates offer a delightful solution to a deep sea mystery. - Free Online Library

Home on the grain; minuscule and precocious, newly found species of aquatic invertebrates offer a delightful solution to a deep sea mystery.

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They live fast and die young. They leave not their footprints, but their skeletons, affixed to single grains of the sea's shifting sand. For the newly found species of bryozoan.

Aquatic invertebrate of the phylum Bryozoa (“moss animals”), members (called zooids) of which form colonies. Each zooid is a complete and fully organized animal. Species range in size from a one-zooid “colony” small enough (less than 0. invertebrates that colonize col·o·nize
v. col·o·nized, col·o·niz·ing, col·o·niz·es

v.tr.
1. To form or establish a colony or colonies in.

2. To migrate to and settle in; occupy as a colony.

3.
..... Click the link for more information. sand grains, it's a small, small world indeed.

Most of the more than 5,000 describedspecies of bryozoans cluster in colonies resembling lichens that comprise hundreds or thousands of individuals. They encrust en·crust also in·crust
tr.v. en·crust·ed, en·crust·ing, en·crusts

1. To cover or coat with or as if with a crust: boats, dock pilings, old cans and shells and rocks. An entire phylum phylum, in taxonomy: see classification. of invertebrates, the bryozoans are found in fresh and salt water areas throughout the world. "They are like little calcified Calcified
Hardened by calcium deposits.

Mentioned in: Heart Valve Repair boxes, each with a little orifice that it sticks its tentacles through. And there's almost nowhere you can go, where you can't find them,' says Judith Winston, associate curator in the Department of Invertebrates at New York's American Museum of Natural History American Museum of Natural History, incorporated in New York City in 1869 to promote the study of natural science and related subjects. Buildings on its present site were opened in 1877.

Despite the bryozoans' adaptability,marine biologists have puzzled over how the small creatures spread across the sand from seashell See C shell. to rusty can, from a beached log to rocks in the bottom of the bay--the short-lived motile mo·tile *

*adj.
1. Moving or having the power to move spontaneously.

2. Of or relating to mental imagery that arises primarily from sensations of bodily movement and position rather than from visual or auditory sensations.

..... Click the link for more information. form in the bryozoan life cycle is not a long-distance swimmer. But now clues to the mystery have been found, wrapped within recent discoveries off the Atlantic coast of Florida by Winston and Eckart H kansson from the University of Copenhagen The University of Copenhagen (Danish: Københavns Universitet) is the oldest and largest university and research institution in Denmark.


Winston and H kansson describe inthe Dec. 18 NOVITATES their taxonomic names for nine new species of bryozoans they collected between 1983 and 1985, plus 24 earlier-described species--all capable of establishing colonies on single grains of sand. These sand-encrusting species, because they have no room to build "cities' of hundreds or thousands of bony boxes, exhibit an accelerated reproductive cycle and do not expend energy to produce protective soldier-type members like other bryozoans.

Although most bryozoans live many years, the new species apparently die within a year. But their explorations on a tiny scale leave a mark on a watery world. "It is a way of getting [bryozoans] distributed across wide sandy areas,' says Winston. "If they just have to make it to the next grain, it explains how you could have the species so widely spread.'

((photos were not available at link))

Photo: A live colony ofTrematooecia psammophila perches atop a single grain of quartz about 1 millimeter across. The new species' name means "sand lover,' and, unlike most sand grain species, it colonizes rounded surfaces of grains, rather than crevices.

Photo: The naming of newspecies is based on "skeletons'--such as these of Cribrilaria parva seen through a scanning electron microscope scan·ning electron microscope

Photo: A colony ofMembranipora triangularis encrusts a single grain of sand. This new species is capable of "jumping' from grain to grain via tubular connections.

Photo: Although the speciesCribrilaria innominata had been previously described as encrusting pieces of shell, it is one of the few species also capable of colonizing sand-size grains.

Photo: A skeletal colony of T.psammophila on the edge of a grain shows developing ovicells, the brood chambers where embryos change into swimming larvae.

Photo: Double spines, one oneach side of the oral cavity, are evident in the species Bellulopora bellula, previously described on other surfaces. However, only when this species encrusts larger surfaces in larger colonies are the spines part of its defense.