Turritopsis

The Turritopsis Nutricula is able to revert back to a juvenile form once it mates after becoming sexually mature.

The 'Immortal' jellyfish Not a sheep 2009

Turritopsis Nutricula is technically known as a hydrozoan and is the only known animal that is capable of reverting completely to its younger self.

The 'Immortal' jellyfish Not a sheep 2009

Turritopsis nutricula, a hydrozoan, may be as close as it gets to an "immortal" creature, reverting back to its juvenile polyp stage after mating.

Archive 2009-01-01 2009

The Turritopsis Nutricula is able to revert back to a juvenile form once it mates after becoming sexually mature.

Thor's Day s00j 2009

While most members of the jellyfish family usually die after propagating, the Turritopsis nutricula has developed the unique ability to return to a polyp state.

The 'Immortal' jellyfish Not a sheep 2009

And learning how the Turritopsis “switches on genes that rejuvenate their cells” may result in major breakthroughs in reversing the cellular degeneration that causes diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, says Stefano Piraino, a professor of biology and environmental science at Italy’s University of Salento.

Never say die - Environment - Macleans.ca 2010

What makes this particular creature—the Turritopsis dohrnii—so special is its ability to change from its adult state the tentacle-trailing dome we all know and avoid back into tiny polyps, restarting what would normally only be a life cycle of a few months and allowing it to create more colonies, and thousands more jellyfish. “It’s like a butterfly,” says Miglietta, “but instead of dying it turns back into a caterpillar.”

Never say die - Environment - Macleans.ca 2010

The Turritopsis is also quite susceptible to viruses, fungi and bacteria, especially in its polyp stage.

Never say die - Environment - Macleans.ca 2010

The Turritopsis would only become dangerous, say experts, if the population suddenly exploded.

Never say die - Environment - Macleans.ca 2010

Piraino says the bigger issue involving the Turritopsis is unravelling its potential medical value.

Never say die - Environment - Macleans.ca 2010