This Is My Brain on Leeches
Key topics
As one writer's brain was literally invaded by leeches, the discussion erupted into a riveting exploration of these slimy creatures' surprisingly relevant role in modern medicine. Commenters chimed in to share their fascination and reveal that leeches are still used today in US operating rooms, while sterilized maggots are employed to clean necrotic tissue from wounds. The conversation took a darkly humorous turn as some joked about the risks of leech infestation, with one commenter worrying about leeches laying eggs in their bloodstream, prompting others to respond with tongue-in-cheek warnings and witty remarks about embracing parasitic symbiosis. The thread's blend of gruesome fascination and medical insight has sparked a lively exchange that's both captivating and unsettling.
Snapshot generated from the HN discussion
Discussion Activity
Active discussionFirst comment
50m
Peak period
14
54-60h
Avg / period
6.5
Based on 26 loaded comments
Key moments
- 01Story posted
Aug 27, 2025 at 5:06 AM EDT
4 months ago
Step 01 - 02First comment
Aug 27, 2025 at 5:55 AM EDT
50m after posting
Step 02 - 03Peak activity
14 comments in 54-60h
Hottest window of the conversation
Step 03 - 04Latest activity
Aug 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM EDT
4 months ago
Step 04
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(you will never be able to unsee this)
That reminds me of https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/bloodsuckers-1.5361074 where I learned:
"... resist the temptation to pour salt on [a bloodsucking leech], as folk wisdom recommends, because that could cause the leech to vomit into the wound, posing unnecessary health risks, suggest biologists behind a new exhibit on bloodsucking animals."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_prognosticator
* results may vary.
https://leechesusa.com
> Because of the minuscule amounts of hirudin present in leeches, it is impractical to harvest the substance for widespread medical use. Hirudin (and related substances) are synthesized using recombinant techniques. Devices called "mechanical leeches" that dispense heparin and perform the same function as medicinal leeches have been developed, but they are not yet commercially available.
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. ;-)