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United KingdomBusiness11 days ago

Giant crustacean of the deep sea steals a trick from bacteria

Researchers have discovered that giant deep-sea isopods, known as bathynomids, possess a bacterial gene that aids in regulating their metabolism, allowing them to survive for years without food in the cold ocean depths.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT

10 June 2026

Organisms called bathynomids boast a bacterial gene that helps them to regulate their metabolism in the cold depths.

Deep-sea supergiant isopods can reach 50 centimetres in length. Credit: Prof. Li Xinzheng

Gargantuan deep-sea crustaceans can go for years without eating, thanks to a metabolism-related gene borrowed from bacteria 1 .

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-01832-x

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Nature NewsParty-alignedCenter11 days ago
Giant crustacean of the deep sea steals a trick from bacteria

Researchers have discovered that giant deep-sea isopods, known as bathynomids, possess a bacterial gene that aids in regulating their metabolism, allowing them to survive for years without food in the cold ocean depths.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses scientific research with no political implications. It focuses on biological findings related to deep-sea organisms and does not present any ideological or partisan perspective.

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