Sea slugs lose heads to rid bodies of parasites, Japan researchers show

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese researchers have shown that a type of sea slug are able to self-decapitate and regrow their bodies, a discovery that could have ramifications for regenerative medicine.

The mechanism is believed to be an extreme method for the organism to rid itself of parasites, researchers Sayaka Mitoh and Yoichi Yusa wrote in a study published in Current Biology this week. The green slugs have algae cells in their skin, so they can feed off light like a plant until they develop a new body, which takes about 20 days.

Mitoh, a doctoral researcher at Nara Women’s University, noticed one day that a sea slug, known as a sacoglossan, had spontaneously detached its head from its body.
============================================================
Don't lose your head over this one. Interesting video.

Glad to see that. I saw a report on it that said "some snails able to regenerate after decapitation", and was wondering who the hell would decapitate snails to find out?

Demon said:

Glad to see that. I saw a report on it that said "some snails able to regenerate after decapitation", and was wondering who the hell would decapitate snails to find out?

Click to expand...

I guess they lose their heads when they're feeling lousy. This is the video proof.

JacksinPA said:

I guess they lose their heads when they're feeling lousy. This is the video proof.

Click to expand...

Skipping the video, thanks! Would be so nice if we could do the same. Or grow new teeth like sharks.

Gather they have also determined that Democrats are now evolving the same way .

Currently at the head decapitation stage but researchers doubt they can get rid of all the parasites they carry .

Yeah, the GQPers are hard to get rid of.