Leeches can also be used for weather forecasting*, as in the greatest-named invention of all time, the Tempest Prognosticator.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_prognosticator

* results may vary.

My PhD research was actually studying the leech nervous system. They're still an important 'model' organism in neurobiology. Probably not as important in the field at large as they were in, say, the 1970s, but still. They're also a good system for neurophysiology education, because they are cheap and easy to obtain, have large-ish neurons that are identifiable from animal to animal, and their nervous system has a relatively simple organization.

This is actually a fascinating article, and I am suitably grossed out and fascinated at the same time. Good HN material, in the 'Anything that good hackers would find interesting. That includes more than hacking and startups.' guideline sense.

The other day someone posted something interesting about leeches. Apparently you can use anti-mosquito spray to make them detach from the skin in minutes.

Your local hospital quite likely currently has a tank of leeches. They are still used in surgery. Especially after reattachment surgeries. They secrete anticoagulants which prevent blood clotting. They are also used in microsurgery to increase blood flow to a certain area.

Certainly didn't expect to read about leeches today (or Napoleon's piles) but hey that's what's great about HN

Leeches are very much in use today in the US, in operating rooms especially!

TIL that we have a legit leech distributor down the road.

https://leechesusa.com

Swimming in Minnesota lakes: always check for leeches. It seems like they hang out close to shore, so swimming near the dock or weeds increases the chance of being an involuntary blood donor.

New Guinea: they have land leeches that hang out at the end of branches, like ticks. Hikers use anti-leech sleeves and gaiters.

I say: nuke from orbit, it's the only way to be sure. ;-)

I would be down to try leeching but I have an irrational fear theyre gunna lay eggs in my bloodstream.

Okay, yea, that was a fun read. Thanks for the article/post/what the heck is the right term anyway! I learned lots of things I did not expect to learn today.