Even the humble sea cucumber is a lesson in science! Coral reef invertebrates such as this black-spotted sea cucumber can change their skin from soft to stiff in just a few seconds as a defense mechanism. They do this by controlling tiny protein fibers and chemical bonds in their skin. Scientists use this amazing ability in biomimicry to create smart, shape-shifting materials. Some applications include adaptive medical implants (microelectrodes which are stiff when implanted into the brain but soften up once they absorb water in the body) and smart and self-healing materials (polymer films that harden or soften based on changes in heat or moisture).
Marine biologists also made headlines by discovering that severed tissue from certain sea cucumbers displays “natural tissue immortality”. Amputated fragments from their tube feet and tentacles kept in unsterilized seawater refused to die, healed themselves, and continued to grow for over three years without a mouth or gut, absorbing nutrients directly from the water! Creepy!
Another fascinating fact about these sea cucumbers is that when threatened they can produce toxins that could be used as painkillers or anti-tumor drugs. They are also consumed for food in Asia although I am not likely to eat one any time soon!
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