Scientists discover likely cheat to death, the immortal 'Turritopsis nutricula' jellyfish

John Cris Antor

DID YOU KNOW?

Even though death is a natural part of life, what if there was a way to avoid it? Turritopsis nutricula, also known as the immortal jellyfish, is a species of jellyfish that researchers think holds the secret to immortality.

Under stress or injury, this jellyfish returns to its polyp stage and restarts its life cycle. This amazing discovery has created new doors for science and medicine, especially aging and death. After reaching sexual maturity, the hydrozoan species, Turritopsis nutricula, can revert to its primary polyp stage. Cycling through its different life stages continuously and theoretically living forever, the jellyfish is immortal. Any scientific evidence has not supported this claim, but it is still an intriguing possibility.

For one, the Turritopsis nutricula is not immortal, for it can technically live forever as it is still susceptible to predation and disease. Though the Turritopsis nutricula can revert to its juvenile stage, it does not become younger— it simply stops maturing. Over time, the immortal jellyfish will accumulate more and more damage and deformities.

Although it might sound like something from a science fiction book, scientists have observed this phenomenon to be very real. As one of the only animal species capable of doing so, Turritopsis nutricula is undoubtedly the most well-known.

Who knows what other intriguing wonders could come out as more research on Turritopsis nutricula expounds!

Source/s:

Ling, T. (2021, May 15). The secrets of the immortal jellyfish, Earth's longest-living animal. https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/immortal-jellyfish/

Masters, M. (n.d.). Can Turritopsis nutricula live forever? https://animals.mom.com/can-turritopsis-nutricula-live-forever-3728.html

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