Severed sea cucumber appendages don't seem to die
Summary
Scientists found that pieces of tissue from a sea cucumber species called Psolus fabricii can live for a very long time when placed in normal seawater. These tissues heal wounds and even grow back to their original size or bigger without needing special care.Key Facts
- Psolus fabricii is a sea cucumber species living in cold Atlantic and Arctic waters.
- Its tube feet and tentacles often get injured and can regrow quickly.
- Scientists discovered severed tissues from these sea cucumbers survive indefinitely in regular seawater.
- The tissues clean away damaged cells and heal wounds within days.
- Immune cells called coelomocytes help defend and regenerate the tissue.
- After shrinking initially, the tissues can grow back larger than their original size after a year.
- Researchers named these long-living tissues LiPfe (living immortal P. fabricii explants).
- The tissues also remove parts no longer needed, reorganizing themselves to stay healthy.
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