I had no idea there was an Immortal Jellyfish. Scientists have discovered a jellyfish that can live forever and lead to clues on human mortality.
The Turritopsis dohrnii is officially known as the only immortal creature on the planet Earth. This creature has been able to reverse the aging process and return to a young state. As the study of regenerative medicine intensifies, learning from the immortal jellyfish could become increasingly important.
Starting as a larva, the jellyfish sinks to the bottom of the ocean floor. While there, it continues to develop into a polyp looking much like a sea plant. After maturing, the jellyfish starts to free-float.
Under stress like a food shortage, the Turritopsis begins to reverse the aging process and become a polyp again. Now, from this early stage, it can develop into a mature medusa when conditions improve.
Through a process called transdifferentiation, the jellyfish can repeat this process indefinitely.
Careful study and examination of this creature could provide scientists with the ability to replicate it in humans someday. For someone like me who was completely unaware of an immortal creature here on earth until recently, it’s a fascinating possibility.