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so what can we learn from them?
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 ing. 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 Ins ute.
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bl...al-animal.html
so what can we learn from them?
they exhibit alternation of generations. We don't. Besides that is a wierd way of thinking about imortality.
Well, them and Joan Rivers.....
Curious case of benjamin jellyfish
And Joan River's grand grand grandfather, Hubie Brown
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