Scientific concern over sea creature that can transmit cancer

French scientists discovered that Hydra chestnuta freshwater aquatic creature that has always fascinated biologists, known for its regenerative abilities and longevity. capable of transmitting cancer to their offspring. This news has caused widespread concern because although this transmission has only occurred in a laboratory so far, the consequences could be serious if it occurred in nature.

Scientific team National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), which was responsible for the study, simulated conditions that might occur in environments modified by human activities, such as aquaculture, and overfed the hydras with shrimp larvae. After several weeks of observation, they discovered something they didn’t expect: The offspring inherited tumors from their parents. “The problem is that our activities may inadvertently create ideal conditions for the spread of these tumors,” explained Sophie Tissot, the study’s principal investigator.

Risk to ecosystems

Hydras reproduce easily, meaning that if this cancer begins to spread in the natural environment, it could eventually affect other organisms, especially in sensitive ecosystems such as fish farms. In places where hydras reproduce uncontrollably, they can destroy the population of juvenile fish, threatening the entire balance.

Tissot and his team aren’t the only ones worried. In the US, the Missouri Department of Conservation has already warned about the risks of uncontrolled spread of hydras in its waters. Now, with this new discovery, the situation may become even more complicated.

Long-term consequences

The discovery could also revolutionize cancer research. Michael Metzger, a biologist at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, said the Hydra case could provide valuable insight into how tumors develop. “Hydras are easier to work with than larger species, and they allow us to better understand the mechanisms of cancer,” he comments.

The discovery could also revolutionize cancer research. Michael Metzger, a biologist at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute, said the Hydra case could provide valuable insight into how tumors develop. “Hydras are easier to work with than larger species, and they allow us to better understand the mechanisms of cancer,” he comments.