Few living things strike as much fear or disgust in us as a parasite. But in his upcoming book, Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous, History-Shaping World of Parasites, entomologist Dino Martins is hoping to stir up a different feeling in people toward these free-riders: admiration. Martins takes readers on a tour covering many of the parasites that have plagued humanity for millennia, from tapeworms that sap our vitality from inside the gut to bed bugs that feast off our blood during our most vulnerable hours spent sleeping. Nestled within tidbits on the biology of these parasites and the scientists who helped us better understand them, he also weaves in beautifully written passages detailing his upbringing in Africa and the years he’s spent studying nature up close. I reached out to Martins to talk about why he chose to delve deep into parasites, his own personal least favorite encounter with one, and the larger lessons these real-life vampires can teach us about the world and our place in it. The following conservation has been lightly edited for grammar and clarity. Ed Cara, Gizmodo: Can you tell us a little bit about the origin of this book?
Jul 3, 2026 → Jul 3, 2026
Few living things strike as much fear or disgust in us as a parasite. But in his upcoming book, Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous, History-Shaping World of Parasites, entomologist Dino Martins is hoping…
Read original at Gizmodo →1 updates from 1 source.
Few living things strike as much fear or disgust in us as a parasite. But in his upcoming book, Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous, History-Shaping World of Parasites, entomologist…
Read original at Gizmodo →What this story stands on. Tier 0 is a primary record or the subject's own words; higher tiers must be attributed, never stated as bare fact.
Few living things strike as much fear or disgust in us as a parasite. But in his upcoming book, Hidden Creatures: Luscious Leeches, Bashful Botflies, and the Wondrous, History-Shaping World of Parasites, entomologist Dino Martins is hoping…
View source →Tier key: T0 = Primary source · T1 = Wire · T2 = Outlet report · T3 = Commentary
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that spreads through cat poop and contaminated food and water, should be taken much more seriously than it currently is, an international team of…
A highly respected four-star Army general is stepping down from his post commanding soldiers in Europe and is slated to retire as he has thus far not been nominated for a new job…
The El Niño of 1877 and 1878 was one of the strongest on record. This event was a key driver of concurrent, multiyear droughts in Asia, Brazil, and Africa that caused widespread…
Heads of state and participants from more than 80 countries at three-day event in Accra to pursue actionable commitments to reconciliation and restitution Ghana is hosting a…
Last day to exhibit your breakthrough to 10,000+ tech leaders at Disrupt is on Oct 2. Book Exhibit Table Now. Disrupt doors open Oct. 13. Get your pass and bring someone with you…
Every year, millions of straw-coloured fruit bats descend on Zambia's little-known Kasanka National Park, creating one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. There's…
