'A redefinition of what it means ... to be alive': Sea cucumber tissue cut from the body still refuses to die
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- Scientists discovered that tissue fragments from the scarlet sea cucumber can survive independently for years, maintaining cellular functions such as healing, nutrient absorption, and immune activity.
- In experiments, tissue pieces from the sea cucumber's tube feet and tentacles remained alive and functional for over three years in natural seawater, even responding to touch in some cases.
- This finding challenges traditional views on tissue immortality and offers a new experimental model for regenerative biology, biomedical research, and tissue engineering without ethical concerns.
- The ability of the tissue to survive and thrive in natural, microbially rich seawater—rather than sterile lab conditions—makes the discovery particularly remarkable.
- Researchers liken the phenomenon to a lizard regrowing its tail but suggest it goes further, as the tissue may potentially regenerate the entire organism.