The world's only immortal animal

[Paulus]

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_blogg ... nimal.html

(Photo: Peter Schuchert)

The turritopsis nutricula species of jellyfish may be the only animal in the world to have truly discovered the fountain of youth.

Since it is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature polyp stage and back again, there may be no natural limit to its life span. Scientists say the hydrozoan jellyfish is the only known animal that can repeatedly turn back the hands of time and revert to its polyp state (its first stage of life).

The key lies in a process called transdifferentiation, where one type of cell is transformed into another type of cell. Some animals can undergo limited transdifferentiation and regenerate organs, such as salamanders, which can regrow limbs. Turritopsi nutricula, on the other hand, can regenerate its entire body over and over again. Researchers are studying the jellyfish to discover how it is able to reverse its aging process.

Because they are able to bypass death, the number of individuals is spiking. They're now found in oceans around the globe rather than just in their native Caribbean waters. "We are looking at a worldwide silent invasion," says Dr. Maria Miglietta of the Smithsonian Tropical Marine Institute.

Bryan Nelson is a regular contributor to Mother Nature Network, where a version of this post originally appeared.

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_blogg ... nimal.html

 

[nayr88]

Them things are going to take over !! haha

but seriously, this is really interesting, even the fact salamanders can regrow limbs its absolutely mind blowing. I saw a great documentary on jelly fish, was wicked they dont have a central nervous system and they dont have a 'normal' digestive system they use the same hole to eat food that they poop out of haha....no longer have discovery channels, must order them

 

[mlgt]

Shows how amazing all life forms can be

 

[Ben M]

that is pretty cool. some animals are just amazing.

 

[bigmatt]

It's not that special. I regularly revert back to a childlike state And my wife says that poo comes out of my mouth on a fairly frequent basis...