Node.js, known for its efficiency in handling I/O-bound operations due to its asynchronous nature, faces limitations with CPU-intensive tasks due to its single-threaded design. This design utilizes only one CPU core, which can hinder performance in an era of multi-core processors and complex applications. However, parallel computing offers a solution by allowing developers to utilize multiple CPU cores, thus enhancing performance. Worker threads in Node.js, introduced in version 10.5, provide a way to offload CPU-intensive tasks from the main thread by creating isolated execution environments that run concurrently across different cores. These threads communicate with the main thread through a messaging channel, allowing them to perform tasks without blocking. Implementing worker threads can significantly improve performance, as illustrated in an example involving image processing tasks. Despite the advantages, developers must manage thread creation and data transfer efficiently to avoid overhead and maintain code clarity. Proper error handling is also crucial, as errors in worker threads do not impact the main thread directly, making them harder to detect. Overall, worker threads empower developers to build scalable and high-performance applications by fully leveraging modern hardware capabilities.