Hi Deep Look and KQED Science Fans, Have you ever heard of acoels? Pronounced “a-seals,” these extraordinary marine flatworms are practically immortal! I filmed acoels at Stanford University, where researcher Dania Nanes Sarfati studies their ability to regenerate themselves. It was awe-inspiring to see that even when they get sliced into pieces, acoels take it in stride, quickly regrowing any part of their body. Acoels also blur the line between plant and animal because of their special relationship with green algae they keep inside their bodies. Find out how they regenerate and leverage photosynthesis in our video and in this week’s newsletter.
Josh Cassidy, Deep Look lead producer and cinematographer
These Solar-Powered Carnivorous Flatworms Divide and Conquer
Acoels are packed with stem cells that can transform into any body part they need to regrow. These marine flatworms are referred to as “plant-animals'' because they have a unique partnership with photosynthetic algae that live inside of them.
POLITICAL BREAKDOWN What RFK Jr.'s Confirmation Would Mean for the Health of the Nation RFK Jr. has controversial views on vaccines, fluoride, and food regulation. On this episode of Political Breakdown, host Lesley McClurg speaks with Dr. Céline Gounder, editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News and a CBS News medical contributor.
🐠 Acoels live in coral reefs, where they hunt for plankton. 👄 They catch prey by engulfing them with their body and jamming them into their mouth. 💩 Acoels don’t have a butt. Their poop just goes right back out through their mouth. ☠️ They protect themselves from predators by packing their cells with toxic chemicals. 🐚🌿 Acoels are holobionts, a single living organism made up of two or more completely different species. 💪 When scientists cut them in half, acoels regrow their body parts – even their heads!
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Name That Critter!
This tiny, freshwater animal is named after a mythical multiheaded monster. It’s related to jellyfish and anemones. Just like an acoel, it can regenerate itself. What is it? Find the answer at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Life Aquatic
From squid that change color to “sand piranhas” that nibble at your feet, discover more incredible aquatic wonders in our special playlist.
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ANSWER TO NAME THAT CRITTER
Hydra! Cut a hydra in half and within a few days the bottom half will grow a new head. The severed head grows a new body. The secret to the hydra’s ability to heal is the abundance of stem cells in its body. Find out more in our video: The Undying Hydra: A Freshwater Mini-Monster That Defies Aging
