In the summer of 2023, Kei Jokura arrived at the marine biology lab at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts with an intriguing find: a large blob in a beaker that appeared to be a fusion of two comb jellies. The discovery prompted curiosity among researchers, including Mariana Rodriguez-Santiago from Colorado State University, who observed the fused jellies swimming and moving as one entity. Further experiments revealed that the comb jellies not only merged physically but also combined their nervous and digestive systems, functioning as a single unit. This fusion phenomenon raised questions about genetic involvement, neural signaling, and the concept of individuality, challenging existing biological understanding.
Comb jellies, members of the Ctenophora phylum, are distinct from jellyfish and are known for their comb-like cilia that aid in movement. Considered among the oldest animal groups on Earth, ctenophores offer unique insights into the evolution and function of nervous systems. Recent studies on the comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi have highlighted its remarkable adaptability, including the ability to revert to earlier life stages in response to stress. These findings suggest that ctenophores possess a high degree of developmental flexibility, potentially enabling them to quickly adapt to changing environments.
The research also suggests that ctenophores may lack a mechanism for distinguishing between self and nonself cells, indicating that fusion could be a survival strategy for these ancient organisms. Explore more fascinating insights and stay informed about the wonders of science by subscribing to CNN’s Wonder Theory newsletter.
In the realm of human biology, allorecognition serves as the fundamental mechanism underlying organ rejection in the context of transplant surgeries. This intricate process was brought to light through a fascinating discovery made by researcher Jokura during his study of M. leidyi’s response to light. While conducting experiments, he stumbled upon two injured specimens that had unexpectedly fused together. Intrigued by this phenomenon, Jokura, alongside Rodriguez-Santiago, embarked on a series of experiments to delve deeper into this remarkable occurrence.
Their experiments involved the meticulous slicing of various jellyfish specimens, followed by placing these excised pairs in close proximity within petri dishes overnight. Astonishingly, the majority of these pairs, nine out of ten to be precise, successfully fused together. The outcome was nothing short of extraordinary – resulting in creatures possessing two sensory organs and two sets of anal openings, a stark contrast to the typical anatomy of jellies that possess only one of each.
The fusion process, as noted by Jokura, unfolded more rapidly than anticipated, prompting the research team to employ time-lapse imaging to closely monitor and document the sequence of events. Through this visualization method, the researchers observed the synchronization of rhythmic movements between the combined organisms within a mere two-hour timespan. A gentle poke on one side of the fused organism elicited a synchronous contraction response from both sides, showcasing the seamless integration that had transpired.
Further examination unveiled another layer of complexity in the fusion process – the merging of the animals’ digestive systems. By introducing a fluorescently labeled brine shrimp into one mouth of a fused jelly pair, the researchers were able to track the movement of the meal through a microscope. The digested particles traversed the digestive canal, traversed the fusion boundary, and entered the digestive tract of the other creature, ultimately leading to both individuals expelling waste through their respective anuses.
The implications of this study extend beyond the realm of mere scientific curiosity, as it challenges conventional notions of self and other. Allorecognition, typically viewed as a protective mechanism against foreign cells, takes on a new light in these instances where sensory rejection is overridden, potentially enhancing the survival prospects of these unique organisms.
Looking ahead, the findings from this research hold promise in advancing our understanding of evolutionary timelines regarding allorecognition and shedding light on the formation and processing of information in simple nervous systems. Jokura’s future investigations aim to delve deeper into the integration of nervous systems post-fusion, with an ambitious goal of exploring the potential fusion of consciousness through the visualization of neural networks.
As the scientific community continues to unravel the mysteries of these extraordinary findings, the study serves as a testament to the boundless wonders of the natural world and the profound insights waiting to be unearthed through dedicated research and exploration.
