All articles tagged with #sea cucumber
The headless chicken monster, scientifically known as Enypniastes eximia, is a deep-sea cucumber that lives below 1,600 feet, feeding on marine snow and using tube feet to scoop sediment. It can swim and avoid predators by swimming upright, sometimes defecating to lighten itself for better buoyancy. Its fragile nature makes it difficult for scientists to study, but it offers fascinating insights into deep-sea life.
NOAA's Ocean Explorer captured a rare sight of a sea cucumber performing a mesmerizing "dance" on the sea floor off Kodiak, Alaska. The reason for this behavior remains a mystery, with scientists speculating it could be a response to predators, a search for food, or nutrient absorption. Sea cucumbers, known for their peculiar attributes, live in the deep sea and play a vital role in cleaning the ocean floor. Despite their plentiful numbers, observing their dance remains rare due to the challenges of deep-sea exploration.
Scientists in the Philippines have discovered that a sea cucumber species, known as stichopus cf. horrens, which resembles dog poop, contains bioactive compounds that could potentially be effective in fighting cancer. The researchers found chemicals such as terpenoid glycosides and saponins in the sea cucumber, which are known to have anti-cancer properties. The species is also believed to promote the growth of neural processes and contains a chemical with anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of these compounds for human use. Sea cucumbers have long been valued in traditional Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking.
Scientists in the Philippines have conducted a study on Stichopus cf. horrens, a sea cucumber species known for its unique characteristics. The research revealed that these sea cucumbers contain several compounds, including potential anti-cancer agents, that could have medical benefits for humans. While cautioning against rushing to use these compounds for cancer treatment, the study opens the door for further research and extraction of these compounds for study. The team is also exploring ways to sustainably grow these sea cucumbers for future research and investigating other compounds that could shed light on the cucumber's defense mechanisms.