Cold temperatures cause immortal hydras to age and reproduce sexually
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck found that cold water triggers freshwater polyps to switch from asexual cloning to sexual reproduction, ending their immortality.
Metabolic changes during aging
A team led by Nicki Marami-Zonouz and Ilse Kranner analyzed the metabolic products of Hydra oligactis. They observed a sharp decline in taurine levels as the animals entered the aging process. This study was published in the journal Aging Cell.
Adaptation to environmental stress
The shift to sexual reproduction allows resilient embryos to survive colder temperatures found in high-alpine lakes. Parent animals lose their ability to live indefinitely once this switch occurs. Other Hydra species do not age even when facing similar stress.
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