These Animals Are the Stuff of Nightmares but They Can Actually Be Found All Around Us

This Jellyfish Ages Backward

Most of us steer clear of jellyfish for good reason—their stings can be incredibly painful. And let’s clear up a common myth: peeing on a jellyfish sting doesn’t actually help, despite what you might have heard. But scientists have discovered something fascinating about a particular jellyfish that might change how we view these creatures. Meet Turritopsis dohrnii, a jellyfish found in the waters of Antarctica that seems to cheat death

How does it pull off this incredible feat? As it ages, it reverts to an earlier life stage, transforming into a cluster of genetically identical jellyfish. Whenever it’s injured or stressed, it can restart this cycle, essentially cloning itself and starting life anew. This unique ability has earned it the nickname “the immortal jellyfish.” Could this hold the key to understanding aging in other species? It’s a question that continues to intrigue researchers and spark curiosity about the mysteries of marine life.