Museums could use ravenous superworms to clean skeletons

The meticulous process of preparing skeletal specimens for museums or forensic studies often involves the challenge of thoroughly cleaning bones while avoiding damage. A recent study published in PLoS One introduces an innovative solution: the larvae of "superworms" (Zophobas morio), commonly used as pet food, may offer a safer alternative. Traditional cleaning methods, including burial, the use of digestive enzymes, and chemical treatments, each come with significant drawbacks. These can range from potential damage to the bones and lengthy processing times to high operational costs and the use of environmentally harmful substances. In contrast, dermestid beetles have gained popularity for their ability to effectively remove soft tissue without harming the bones. However, they pose a risk of infestation if not contained properly, as they can escape and reproduce, threatening museum collections. A team of researchers led by Fatemah Rastekar from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in Iran explored the potential of superworms to clean skeletal remains without the infestation risks associated with beetles. Unlike beetles, which require complex containment due to their life cycle, superworms only need to be in the larval stage for cleaning, which lasts 10 to 12 weeks. This is longer than the beetle's five to seven weeks but simplifies management since the larvae do not pupate in crowded conditions, minimizing escape risks. To assess the cleaning efficacy of superworms, Rastekar and her colleagues tested them on various donated skeletal specimens, including an Egyptian rosette, a house mouse, an alligator gar, and even a gray wolf. They also conducted a comparative experiment using a conventional boiling method on a marbled polecat skeleton. The findings could pave the way for an innovative approach to skeletal cleaning in museum and forensic contexts, potentially transforming current practices.