Molting cleanses water fleas

Losing a carapace means also losing parasitic bacteria

Getting naked may help to protect a species of tiny water flea. When Daphnia magna molts, its discarded body armor can carry away harmful bacteria, a new study finds.

Discarded outer coverings — a helmet (left) and body armor (right) — from a water flea carry away harmful parasites, helping to protect the creature against infection.