A recent discovery by a Canadian researcher reveals that severed tissue from scarlet sea cucumbers can exhibit a peculiar state between life and death, persisting for an extended period. Sara Jobson, a doctoral student at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, spearheaded the investigation uncovering the apparent immortality of this sea cucumber’s tissue. Jobson described their findings as observing “little lab zombies,” showcasing the first documented case of detached tissue surviving independently.
Unlike typical animal tissue, which would perish when severed, scarlet sea cucumber tissue, scientifically known as psolus fabricii, demonstrates a unique ability to endure. In a study published in Science Advances, Jobson and her team submerged pieces of scarlet sea cucumber tentacles and tube feet in seawater to monitor their behavior. The amputated tissue exhibited a self-sterilization process, eliminating degrading tissue and sealing the wound to prevent contamination.
Over several years, the tissue transformed into round, translucent structures with a red pigment nucleus, rather than regenerating into new sea cucumbers. These tissue samples displayed characteristics of living organisms, such as nutrient absorption and an active immune system, yet they did not reproduce. Jobson coined the term ‘zombie tissue’ to describe this unique state between life and death, questioning its significance in the evolutionary context for sea cucumbers.
Despite the profound implications of this discovery, Jobson emphasized the potential for utilizing resilient tissue samples in scientific research. She expressed gratitude for the supportive environment of curiosity-driven science at the lab led by Professor Annie Mercier, highlighting the importance of fostering unconventional inquiries to uncover groundbreaking insights. Jobson aims to further explore the enigmatic properties of these tissue remnants, particularly investigating their cellular aging process.