Search Kids Discover

Beneficial Bloodsuckers

  • May 11, 2012
  • By KIDS DISCOVER

In 2004, maggots and leeches became the first live animals classified as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration. Maggots eat dead tissue, exposing healthy cells and helping wounds heal, while leeches keep blood clots from forming in body parts after surgery.

About the author

Kids Discover For over 25 years, we’ve been creating beautifully crafted nonfiction products for kids. With a specialty in science and social studies, our team of talented writers, award-winning designers and illustrators, and subject-experts from leading institutions is committed to a single mission: to get children excited about reading and learning.