Lungfish cocoon found to be a living tissue
The lungfish of Africa are pretty spectacular as they are. They're the closest living relatives of tetrapods (amphibians) and can live in water and on land when freshwater lakes and riverbeds dry up (up to a year for the latter).
They accomplish this by surrounding themselves with a mucous like substance that resembles a cocoon. It was previously thought that this cocoon was strictly for protection from heat and for retaining moisture so the lungfish don't dry out and die before the water returns.
But now scientists have found that this cocoon is actually a living organism.
More recently, the team has taken a closer look and found that the cocoon was chock full of granulocytes. They also found that they migrated from the skin into the cocoon on a slow, continual basis—a finding that showed the cocoon was much more than just dry mucus; it was a living part of the lungfish.
It was also discovered that this living tissue creates "traps" that stop bacteria from entering. So not only does it protect from the heat but it also helps stop infections.
To find out more about this study, click the link below.
More recently, the team has taken a closer look and found that the cocoon was chock full of granulocytes. They also found that they migrated from the skin into the cocoon on a slow, continual basis—a finding that showed the cocoon was much more than just dry mucus; it was a living part of the lungfish.
It was also discovered that this living tissue creates "traps" that stop bacteria from entering. So not only does it protect from the heat but it also helps stop infections.
To find out more about this study, click the link below.
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