Deep-sea denizens go years without food with clever biological fix

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Chinese Scientists Identify Genetic Switch Allowing Deep-Sea Isopods to Fast for 5 Years

   Researchers have discovered how giant deep-sea isopods survive more than five years without food. The survival mechanism involves a gene hijacked from bacteria that acts as an energy-saving switch. This biological fix combines genetic and anatomical adaptations to endure extreme food scarcity.

   What's confirmed:

   • Giant deep-sea isopods can survive more than five years without food.
   • The survival mechanism is a combination of anatomical and genetic adaptations.
   • Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Oceanology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Northwestern Polytechnical University published their findings in the journal Cell.
   • The isopods use a gene hijacked from bacteria that functions as an energy-saving switch.
   • The Bathynomus jamesi is a species of deep-sea isopod.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The creatures use a slow metabolism to survive years without food.
   confidence 100%
2. 2d ago

   Giant Deep-Sea Isopods Survive Years Without Food

   The Bathynomus is a supergiant deep-sea creature capable of surviving more than 5 years without eating. It uses a combination of genetic mechanisms and physical adaptations to endure extreme food scarcity. Scientists are now uncovering the specific biological fixes that allow this survival.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Bathynomus can go more than 5 years without eating.
   • Giant deep-sea isopods utilize physical adaptations and genetic mechanisms to survive in areas with extreme food scarcity.
   confidence 100%