Sea cucumbers harbor ‘zombie’ tissues that won’t die
Detached tissues from sea cucumbers can survive independently for years, a discovery that could advance research on aging. Scientists found that shed tentacles and tube feet remain alive without the organism, offering new insights into tissue longevity. This breakthrough may help scientists better understand how cells stay alive and function over time.
A young scarlet sea cucumber, about 5 millimeters long, uses its tentacles to feed. While sea cucumbers can naturally shed and regenerate these tentacles, researchers have also found that detached tentacle tissue can remain alive independently after being separated from the organism.
Science News
