The Jellyfish that lives forever
This one smacks of a huge wind up, but if it isn’t it is an amzing story. Apparently scientists have discovered a jellyfish that, in the words of one Noel Gallagher, can live forever.
The turritopsis nutricula species of jellyfish can apparently cycle from a mature adult stage to an immature polyp stage and back again. Thsi means that there may be no natural limit to its life span.
According to Yahoo 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.
So, can the process of the turritopsis nutricula be copied by humans? What about natural predators. It is fine to be able to live forever, but not if your chances of ending up on another animal’s dinner plate are very high.
Finally will Hollywood star be injecting turritopsis nutricula serum soon? We need to be told.
Posted: 11th, February 2011 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
