The Nemertean Vagus Nerve Origin Theory
Written by Sterling Cooley on May 13th, 2024
What Is The Nemertean Vagus Nerve Origin Theory?

This theory briefly states that the Human Vagus Nerve has it's evolutionary origins in the same Proboscis found inside of the famous Nemertean flat-worm.

We will lay out implications, data, and falsifiability tests that could prove this theory invalid, or incorrect.

We highly encourage readers, and scientists to perform tests to help refute and falsify this theoretical framework for understanding how the Vagus Nerve arrived inside of the mammalian body some 500 Million Years Ago.

What Evidence Do We Have So Far?

Our primary evidence is RNA evidence taken from the Proboscis of a Nemertean worm, and comparing the RNA segments to those found inside of the Mammalian side.

We will list out the data below, and you will also understand through the "falsification tracks" how we are thinking through this unique problem / theory.

We also believe there is observable similarities between the behavior of the Proboscis and that of the Vagus Nerve, which we will also detail that below.

Lastly, we believe there is evidence of an evolutionary / consciousness / Quantum Pleasure Principle type of pressure mechanism that allowed / encouraged this strange and rather sci-fi pairing of worming proboscis and fish body to occur.

What is the RNA Evidence Showing a Potential Link Between the Nemertean Proboscis and the Human Vagus Nerve?

A study was performed, on the Proboscis of the Nemertean Worm, and it found that the proboscis had some unique functions, that 1) overlap with functions of the human Vagus Nerve and 2) when analyzed using the unique RNA codes - COCA1, RADI, VWF, etc, going down the list, showed an incredible amount of "matches" to the Pig RNA atlas.

I will post a number of the "Matches" and explain further below - the research came from this paper: Evolution, Expression Patterns, and Distribution of Novel Ribbon Worm Predatory and Defensive Toxins - Verdes 2022

The Above Study Found a Significant Number of Matches That Aligned with Functions of the Vagus Nerve

Below, the proboscis was analyzed, and you can see how a number of the functions of the proboscis are given, such as digestion, immune response, secretion, cell adhesion, all functions that are quite important in the Vagus Nerve.

But how overlapping can these things get? Scroll down to see the results from the RNA Atlas: https://www.rnaatlas.org/
The RNA Atlas Results Match Overwhelmingly

Let's look at the RNA segment names on the right side of the 'proboscis' column, the first sequence is titled: COCA1 - which is a repeating segment of RNA that has been given a name.

Here's what it looks like when you run that through the RNA Atlas:
COCA1 - Representing Cell Adhesion - Is a Match in Humans

Taken as a single match, it's not substantial, but here are more matches down the list:
RADI - Represented Above - Representing Cell Adhesion - Is a Match in Humans

Cerrebelum, which is a place the Vagus Nerve innervates towards, but Testis ? This RNA is found from the top to the bottom of the body, and look at other things, heart muscle, Pons and Medulla (big Vagus Nerve innervation points).

Looking at some more:
SSPO - Represented Above - Representing Nervous System Tissue - Is a Match in Humans * Pigs - Especially in Pigs

You can see a massive spike in the PG, which is a super critical location for the Vagus Nerve in particular, and the 2nd biggest match for SSPO is the "Vagus Nerve" - this is one of MANY other matches on this same document analysis process.

So what does this above data mean?

In our estimation, it means that "somehow" the RNA code from the Nemertean Proboscis (not the worm body) but the proboscis itself, ended up encoded into Human RNA / DNA code.

How could this have happened? And when could this have happened?
500 Million Years Ago - Fish Encountered Worms in the Ocean

I asked, and other asked as well, about where the Vagus Nerve originally came from. 

Stephen Porges of PolyVagal Theory fame asked in the 1980's, and came up with a theory about how it works, but that was later debunked by Paul Grossman.

So we were left with this big burning and open question, where did the Vagus Nerve *really* come from ?

It didn't develop only in humans, and the Vagus Nerve exists in Lung Fish (Eels) as well.

If we trace backwards to find where there possibly could have been "Eels and Worms and Fish" in the same region, we start going backwards 400-500 Million Years ago.
Lungfish and Tetrapods - both evolutionary trees where the "Vagus Nerve" shows up

I asked, and other asked as well, about where the Vagus Nerve originally came from. 

Stephen Porges of PolyVagal Theory fame asked in the 1980's, and came up with a theory about how it works, but that was later debunked by Paul Grossman.

So we were left with this big burning and open question, where did the Vagus Nerve *really* come from ?

It didn't develop only in humans, and the Vagus Nerve exists in Lung Fish (Eels) as well.

If we trace backwards to find where there possibly could have been "Eels and Worms and Fish" in the same region, we start going backwards 400-500 Million Years ago.
The Missing Link - Tetrodotoxin

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin found in the liver and sex organs of some fish, such as puffer fish, globefish, and toadfish. It's also found in other marine organisms, including starfish, sunfish, stars, frogs, crabs, snails, Australian blue-ringed octopuses, and bivalve molluscs. 

The Nemertean Proboscis produces a powerful neurotoxin, which may be somewhat related to the process used when the Vagus Nerve helps the human body "relax" or the even go into a "freeze" response basically.

It's also been found that the Proboscis produces powerful peptides on its own, acting as a sort of on-board pharmacist for the Nemertean worm itself, and may contribute to why it has such a long life-span.
Falsification Tracks to Follow

1) RNA data showing the Vagus Nerve is not a descendent of the Nemertean Proboscis.

2) Cutting the Vagus Nerve in a healthy mammal should result in a regrowing of the Vagus Nerve, just as the Proboscis is able to fully regenerate

3) The human "freeze" response that happens when a predator or startling event happens should be mitigated when the Vagus Nerve is suppressed

4) The Nemertean Proboscis should have a fast acting myelination feature, as well as similarly structured Microtubule networks as the human Vagus Nerve
List of the Collected Benefits I've Read About Stemming from Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation:

Improved mood
Loss of anxiety
Weight loss
Better social skills
Lowered insulin resistance
Normalized blood sugar levels
Decreased pain
Improvement in cognitive function & ability
Better memory
Elimination of insomnia
Improved sleep
More vivid dreams
Massive reduction in tinnitus ringing
More vocal melody when speaking
Less monotonous speaking style
More meditative & mindful thinking style
Reduction in stress
More salivation
Better digestion
Relaxed facial expression
Reduction in facial tension
Reduction of TMJ pain
Increased hopefulness
Better reaction to stressful events
Decreased circulating TNF inflammatory cytokines
Reduction in sugar cravings
Better executive & problem solving ability
Deeper breathing
More variable heart rate
Stronger muscle tone
Decreased musculoskeletal weakness
Reduced neck & shoulder pain
Increased focus
Increase in BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor)
Increased growth in hippocampus and memory processing centers
Reduced fear
Increased confidence in self
Enhanced future projection & visualization ability
Reduction in negative self talk
Increased sexual function
Increase in sexual desire, and libido
Reduction in anti-depressant caused erectile dysfunction
Increase in female sexual function
Normalization of female period cycle
Reduction in some symptoms of PMS

And the list can go on, and on.
Citations


Conclusion

The Nemertean Proboscis is the Missing Link to Explain how the Vagus Nerve suddenly "appeared" in fish all of the sudden, giving rise to rapid Lung development through Resting Sinus Arrhythmia allowing Lung Fish to breathe air, and ultimately allowing fish to walk on land.

We also believe that the Proboscis of the Nemertean worm is itself a Conscious creature, and may have its own form of consciousness semi-separate from the Nemertean Worm.

That's it! For now!

Sterling Cooley


Through his Vagus Nerve Stimulation & Repair Program, Sterling has been able to give hope and meaning back to many who felt completely relegated to the trash heaps of history. His work is truly inspired, in that he really lives his work, and is relentless about finding new and novel approaches to fighting auto-immune disorders through Vagus Nerve related stimulation modalities.

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