Researchers Discover 'Immortal' Jellyfish Capable of Reversing Its Life Cycle
A Forgotten Jar Led To The Discovery Of A Jellyfish That ‘Never Dies’
News 18
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A group of researchers studying jellyfish made a surprising discovery when a sample left unattended transformed into an earlier life stage. The jellyfish, Turritopsis dohrnii, is often called biologically 'immortal' due to its ability to revert to its juvenile form, allowing it to start its life cycle anew.
- 01Turritopsis dohrnii can revert to its juvenile form, a process known as transdifferentiation.
- 02This jellyfish is often referred to as biologically 'immortal' but is still vulnerable to predators and disease.
- 03The discovery was made during routine observations rather than a planned experiment.
- 04The jellyfish's ability to reshape its cells has garnered significant scientific interest.
- 05Despite its 'immortal' label, the jellyfish is not immune to death.
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Researchers studying jellyfish made an unexpected discovery when they found that a specimen, Turritopsis dohrnii, had reverted to an earlier stage of its life cycle after being left unattended in a lab. This tiny jellyfish, often described as biologically 'immortal,' can transform back into its juvenile form, known as a polyp, under stress, injury, or aging. This remarkable process, called transdifferentiation, allows its cells to change from one type to another, enabling the organism to essentially restart its life. While the term 'immortal' suggests it cannot die, scientists clarify that Turritopsis dohrnii remains susceptible to predation, disease, and failure in its transformation process. The discovery highlights the versatility of living organisms and emerged from a moment of oversight during routine research observations.
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