Hydra loses its immortality after cold triggers switch to sexual reproduction

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Researchers at the University of Innsbruck found that cold triggers Hydra oligactis to switch from asexual cloning to sexual reproduction, after which it ages and eventually dies. The aging process is accompanied by a sharp decline in taurine.

The freshwater polyp Hydra oligactis is essentially immortal and reproduces asexually by cloning itself. Except when it gets too cold: then the animal switches to sexual reproduction, begins to age, and eventually dies. A research team at the University of Innsbruck has now investigated the metabolic changes that accompany this process. One of the findings: the aging process is accompanied by a sharp decline in taurine.