News in Brief Life

Bobtail squid coat their eggs in antifungal goo

Females have a special organ that houses protective bacteria for the jellylike coating

Hawaiian bobtail squid

BOBTAIL BACTERIA  Hawaiian bobtail squid have a secret weapon to protect their eggs and offspring: fungus-fighting bacteria.

M. McFall-Ngai/PLOS Biology 2014

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

MADISON, Wis. — When eggs go bad, bacteria usually get the blame. But some bacteria help bobtail squid keep their eggs fresh.