The Undying Hydra: A Freshwater Mini-Monster That Defies Aging | Deep Look

Could this tiny creature, named after a mythical multiheaded monster, hold the secret to eternal youth? Related to jellyfish and anemones, the hydra has an almost otherworldly ability to heal itself and stave off aging.
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DEEP LOOK is an ultra-HD (4K) short video series created by KQED San Francisco and presented by PBS Digital Studios. See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.
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The hydra gets its name from the Lernaean Hydra, a monster from Greek mythology that guarded an entrance to the underworld. Chop off one of the beast’s many snake-like heads and two would grow in its place.
While much less formidable in size, the real hydra does have a remarkable ability to heal from injuries. Cut a hydra in half and within a few days the bottom half will grow a new head. The severed head grows a new body.
The secret to the hydra's ability to heal and its seeming ability to not age is the abundance of stem cells that make up the hydra’s tube-shaped body column.
“The reason why hydra lives so long is because it has these continually active stem cells populations which don’t seem to slow down at all,” said Celina Juliano, a molecular and cellular biologist at UC Davis.
“They’re just constantly remaking all of the cells in the animal so every 20 days all of the cells are replaced with new cells.”
--- What does a hydra eat?
Hydra use their tentacles to ensnare swimming prey. Stinging cells in the tentacle paralyze the prey, which the tentacles then move toward the hydra’s mouth. Hydra often eat like Daphnia and other aquatic invertebrates referred to informally as water fleas.
--- How do hydra reproduce?
Hydra can reproduce asexually by cloning themselves. The new clone, called a bud, grows directly from the hydra’s side and eventually detaches. In addition to cloning, different species of hydra have different sexual reproduction strategies.
--- How do hydra recover from injury?
A large amount of the cells in a hydra’s central column are stem cells. These cells can reproduce themselves and can also differentiate into all of the different specialized cells that make up the hydra's body.
---+ Find additional resources and a transcript on KQED Science:
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---+ Shoutout!
🏆Congratulations🏆 to the following 5 fans on our Deep Look Community Tab for identifying the process this creature undergoes to regenerate lost body parts - morphallaxis!
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#hydra #morphollaxis #deeplook

[@Frostyflytrap]

The footage in this episode is beyond phenomenal! I have never seen footage of these creatures in such high definition and the cell reorganization timelapse is an amazing feat to witness thanks to that coloring. I cannot get enough of this.

[@Ratigan2]

This is out of context, but your pfp is bringing back sweet old memories... Also, I totally agree with your comment. DL provides extraordinarily free content.

[@LzyLzr]

Scientists: *finds immortal being* also Scientists: *turns it into smoothie*

[@whitetomato]

also Scientists: *drinks the smoothie* *becomes immortal*

[@noobieeezdwm3621]

Lol I'm laughing

[@waverlywinters1854]

@@whitetomato also scientist: After becoming immortal become HYDRA {Hail HYDRA}

[@AlyxGlide]

Poor hydra

[@antonunltd3713]

🤣

[@dajustin5408]

When deep look cuts up immortal creatures: _This Is fine_

[@pategustavo4392]

Deep cut

[@LuisSierra42]

@@pategustavo4392 I see what you did there hehe

[@CallMeMimi27]

what would happen if you put 50 hydras in a blender?

[@pategustavo4392]

@@CallMeMimi27 soup

[@lxncexzs]

@@pategustavo4392 uh-🕳🏃🏻

[@yuckfou514]

Deep Look is one of the most underrated channels in KZbin.

[@ElNietoPR]

I wouldn’t call a 1.7M channel underrated. Their quality content IS top, however.

[@yuckfou514]

The quality and effort that went to every videos deserves 100M+ views per videos

[@LuisSierra42]

@@yuckfou514 the good stuff in YT grows with time

[@69cheesyfries]

Yea true, it deserves so many more subs and veiws than many other channels with are simply a waste of time, And 1.4 M is way too less for the quality they are providing, and it's too less even for the producers who painstakingly make all these videos, so yeah it deserves at least over 10M subs

[@mariaelmorsy4280]

I always thought that !! They should have like 50mil subscribers and millions of views !

[@nozeeek2385]

I’ve learned so many things from this world that I never knew because of Deep Look.

[@aestaetic07]

ikr! :D

[@snow1084]

It is called deep look

[@myamdane6895]

@@snow1084 indeed

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks nozeeek!

[@nozeeek2385]

@@snow1084 No it’s Deep Look. Look and think before you speak

[@icemaiop]

How to escape from prison: 1.) Be a hydra 2.) Blend yourself into mush 3.) Migrate through the gaps between bars or under door 4.) Play lego with your body parts 5.) Profit

[@fitt4393]

lol

[@nadiaalibaig]

You're hilarious

[@emmurdl9363]

Step 6. You realize you can clone yourself Step 7. Slice n dice September 25th 2029 "Mirrors of The One" Incident

[@themarksman4557]

@@jesshuang2242 this is cute

[@Talaya33]

😹😹😻😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😹😻😹😻😹👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@georgestgeorge5110]

Probably the most amazing thing I have watched in years.

[@Syewm]

have you watched 1man1jar?

[@bloatedrat7309]

Yeah

[@popindosin228]

Boring life u have

[@pedropaiv]

"No head, no problem". Thanks! I've been looking for a solution since adulthood began.

[@sir.richard5346]

Pedro no

[@xiao7372]

Uhm

[@toobashaikh5922]

Modern problems require modern solutions

[@Ezio999Auditore]

Sseth

[@LeftSoulz]

To see this in the college's book of zoology, all about the hydra reorganizing their cells is incredible, but watching this in video is the most amazing thing i've seen in my journey :o

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks Eli!

[@Candesce]

I can't believe that the hydramush regenerated like that. That's amazing!

[@Jesse__H]

Right? Super cool to see.

[@NomadUniverse]

Sponges can do it too. Blend several different species and they will reassemble into the separate species.

[@Candesce]

@@bladeofveng it's the technical term 😁

[@acertainslime]

HYDRAMUSH

[@giovannicorraliza8552]

I think you meant to say surprise not cant belive

[@NewMessage]

I'm here so early, Captain America hasn't been able to dislike the video yet.

[@ae3788]

Here before this gets popular

[@Blueandgrey-y8w]

HAIL HYDRA

[@faishalazis]

Hail Hydra

[@TacticalAnt420]

Hail Hydra

[@nicholasgerry6931]

Lol

[@Obsydiaan]

Hydra can be little monsters in freshwater aquariums if you have anything small enough to be prey, but they are also undeniably fascinating.

[@swiftumbra2748]

Imagine if humans could do this. "I'm sorry ma'am your husband was crushed by falling scaffolding...he'll be late for dinner."

[@monksb]

LOL

[@Macieks300]

This channel truely has the best nature footage I've ever seen. Never disappoints!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks!

[@SpencerKlouds]

Every time you release a video, I learn so many things more than at my online school. This channel has helped me learn new things 10x more than at school. I've learned interesting scientific facts about creatures and organisms that I have never heard and learned before. The way you narrate and interact with your viewers, you help me learn so much. Thank you Deep Look❤❤❤

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You are welcome Justine!

[@Zaxares]

After that blender experiment... Now I'm wondering what would happen if you got multiple hydrae, blended their bodies together so their cells were all mixed, and then left them to regenerate. Would the cells know how to migrate back into their original bodies, or simply form a hybrid organism? Do such simple creatures even have an immune system capable of differentiating between themselves and another hydra?

[@sealdew5348]

Imagine your hair just flys and you grow a budding clone in your abdomen-

[@darrellcook8253]

Or a budding clone on your lower leg. Or worse, popping up all over. The kind of thing that bad science fiction stories originate from. Each hair on your head evolves into a bud...or bug. Hmmm.

[@hopeless7323]

Frozen 2: "Everything ends, but love doesn't!" That one hydra: *"Hold my twin"*

[@falcan135]

“Cut off one head, two more take its place. Hail Hydra.” - Red Badie Boi

[@doliaclemente1366]

Why do i imagine scientists discovering things like hydras and flatworms be like Awwww look how cute it is it's so adorable *Now lets slice it :)*

[@johncao6516]

Fun fact, the scientist who proved hydra's immortality refused to investigate it anymore. He's basically burnt out from years of feeding and observing hydra. Source: NPR's Invisibilia podcast, Reluctant Immortalist.

[@PhilTruthborne]

That's honestly so amazing, i knew about regrowth but i never thought it could be possible on this level...

[@Paladin_Maar]

I remembering getting to study these guys in highschool. But I didn't know just how resilient they were, this is amazing!

[@ST0AT]

"No head, no problem!" - Maxilian Robespierre, 1789

[@yamantisshrimp2808]

Queen: finally a worthy opponent, our battle will be legendary

[@krazykrazy14100]

Wow! What a fascinating creature. The footage, visuals and narration is always top notch!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@arnoldalaniz7806]

That’s why Captain America says he can do this all day because of Hydra.

[@jemlyn67]

I recall my high school biology teacher 30 years ago saying hydra could be mushed and the cells would reorganize back into a hydra. Also some sponges will somewhat reform after mushing.

[@tubalevakalalabure274]

that was amazing ... can't believe the hydra soup turned into a hydra ... wouldnt've believed it if it weren't filmed ... thanks deeplook

[@HonouringMiyukiandAce1414]

Hydra has always been my favourite micro pond animal. 👍❤️🥰❤️ Awesome upload!!! I loved it🙏

[@dajustin5408]

3:52 that was the coolest thing ever thanks for showing me Deep look, hopefully I get new cool creepy videos in the future like this one!.

[@tjk_prince]

spam more..

[@KQEDDeepLook]

That's our job!

[@ShaudaySmith]

Deep Look is the only PBS youtube i care about. Amazing photography and information and presentation.

[@orawal]

"Except for some trust issues"... writing always on point! :P

[@shawk952]

1:48 That satisfying "pop"...

[@Pat_Dry]

God help us

[@LoArtesanal507]

@Prepper Finance I hope they don't try to phisically force it in the future

[@LoArtesanal507]

@Prepper Finance And do you think in this camps they will force it on you? I'll suscribe to see the video when it comes

[@LoArtesanal507]

@Prepper Finance Yup, true, well we are in or almost in the book of revelation so it will be the final chapter. Man I'm from Argentina, 19 years old, zero skills and knowledge, living in my jabbed parents house with my little sister, I really don't know what to do. God bless you man

[@AtomBrown69]

Deep Look has taught me so much about small organisms. This video reminds me of your video on flatworms and their regenerative ability.

[@FlameJackstar]

Absolutely incredible. There should be much more researching how this little monster functions.

[@Bunnyleadd]

I originally came to the channel to learn more about insects, as I wish to learn more about them, if I wish to seek out a career in entomology, but this seems interesting. Thank you :) I've learned quite a bit

[@axelloockx824]

i've had these in my aquarium before, absolutely suck when you're trying to breed shrimp!!

[@k.h.g3695]

Land version: A chip of the old block. Sea version: A bud of the old hydra

[@AniFam]

Wow, biological immortality… So amazing and creepy, too~😅 Thank for sharing this wonderful and informative video! 🤗👍 🔆AniFam〽️

[@molybdaen11]

That sounds awesome until you realize that they can become easy prey or starve to death since they can not move fast.

[@AniFam]

@@molybdaen11 An excellent point! Some strengths and weaknesses...🤗👍

[@_Venvel]

Imagine finding the Fountain of Youth and it's all blended mutant hydra jelly. Refreshing.

[@aichi_d3a1]

Me seeing a hydra: aww how cute Me after seeing it eat: NOW THIS IS AN AVENGERS LEVEL THREAT

[@Jm649]

Amazing! The science and technology to be able to see this these days is amazing..

[@69cheesyfries]

I swear, it never ceases to satisfy me how life simply knows what it's supposed to do and what its role is, one of the most fascinating things I've ever seen for sure

[@bigode9743]

You guys did talk about dissociated cells reorganizing into a new body from the ground up

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Yes! Thank you!

[@Sk_zzy]

Imagine splicing human DNA with how Hydras work. Great hero movie or villain idea :P

[@blueberrychocolate4238]

Wow! The music works so well with the video! Also, this video is super informative.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Our music is composed by Seth Samuel!

[@surekhakl5588]

One of the most fascinating animals

[@Ibloop]

MY FAVORITE CHANNEL UPLOADED!!!

[@ELM777]

3:33 that high grade neon kush from Asgard

[@TheMightyX]

Oddly adorable creatures!

[@Cam1417-TK]

The UV experiment was so impressive to watch, thank you!

[@francorodriguez3499]

i love all of your videos! they help me a lot learning inglish

[@josef-1209]

I love how you can screenshot almost any frame in Deep Look videos and it will look great.

[@tompotter8703]

Colonial organisms, such as the Portuguese man-of-war, would be a great topic.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Fun suggestion!

[@Deoix9877]

Scientists: literally blend the animal into a pile of mush Hydra: *TIS BUT A SCRATCH*

[@cl0udyski3s]

Smooth footage, high definition footage of a totally immortal creature!

[@alceratops6853]

Steve Rogers: "Hey, this creature is kinda cute! What is it?" Secret Hydra Agent: "It's a hydra" Steve Rogers: **profusely sweating** Hail Hydra!!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

10/21/21 NOTE: Hi Deep Peeps. We've removed some recent comments promoting a conspiracy idea that hydra have been found in the COVID-19 vaccine. This is false. Here is some background: www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/oct/13/viral-image/no-isnt-picture-parasite-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine/ . Subsequent comments that promote vaccine misinformation will also be removed. Thank you.

[@eechooxl]

This opens so many philosophical questions about "who am I": The body? The head? Both? Neither?

[@dajustin5408]

Top ten smol immortal creatures from the deep look channel!

[@petriepretorius4085]

and they only exist in fresh water...what an amazing creature...

[@Fireflies790]

Deadpool in real life.

[@jamosss]

"Haha, you'll never recover" Hydra: hold my foot

[@하늘-w1u9v]

I got rid of all the hydra in the fish tank with omnicuric acid. Omnicureic acid is a fish repellent, which is a type of fenbendazole.

[@eternalkirin]

Deep Look has taught me more than my Science subject

[@joeylee6094]

This. Is. Beyond. Fascinating.

[@ItsSaberz]

I hate how schools barley even teach you anything but boring stuff.. But this! this is great.

[@paprscissrs]

person: *cuts hydra in half* hydra: "... so no head? . . . perfectly fine dont worry :)"

[@poliincredible770]

Thanks for sharing observable information and not trying to interject unobservable Darwinistic conjecture.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

For the record, mainstream science overwhelmingly supports evolution.

[@poliincredible770]

@@KQEDDeepLook there was also a time when mainstream science supported blood letting. There are many accredited scientists who accept the logical conclusion. Please look up Dr. James Tour, Dr. Stephen Meyer, Michael Denton, Dr. Michael Behe, Dr. Mary Schweitzer. All are accredited scientists who have conclusively debunked Darwinism and embrace theism. Darwinism is patently unobservable, untestable, unrepeatable, untenable faux science. So again, thanks for not including it in this video.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

There are vanishingly few scientists who doubt evolution relative to those who do. And none of them have conclusively debunked Darwinism.

[@제규형]

It's a good thing these things are small and humans are large. If it was the other way around we'd stand absolutely no chance. Thanks for the informative and interesting video and hope to see more!

[@ravenn8600]

they have no brain bruh

[@ran.glacialis]

That is impressive! But fresh waters are not full of hydra, so they must still easily die some way, despite their amazing regeneration abilities.

[@LyraKeltica61]

Science will never find immortality, it is a gift from GOD, and science tries as hard as they can to disprove GOD.

[@ashmitakaran6755]

1:13 looking like a cute flower

[@Shotgun-Tre]

c'mon now lol. Get right with God folks. That's all I'm going to say.

[@Emily-xo7tu]

plantarain and hydra teamwork

[@tranvietphu1298]

These guy once live in my tank when i was keeping shrimps, but when I introduced fish because my shrimps died, the fish just ate all of the water fleas and they all starved

[@cristalwaschbuger5284]

Can I get a heart for being early?

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Yes Cristal!

[@FunFails]

Wow!!! All your videos are bangers, but this is the most fascinating one yet!

[@TAHIRMAQSOOD15]

Wow, now this is deep look

[@taimfeliate1128]

Then you learn that these things are feared pests in aquariums (specifically in shrimp-focused tanks). Why? Because they're actually vicious predators that eat baby and sometimes adult shrimp.

[@gorilla-san]

Scientist: turns hydra into a smoothie Hydra: 'tis but a scratch

[@paemonyes8299]

As a high school student I have only seen hydras in textbook illustrations so, watching this video gave me a new interesting perspective towards them

[@maybeellis8535]

FINALLY MY FAVORITE ORGANISM!!!! Thank you Deep Look!

[@andrewmattar4178]

So you're telling me that even if you blend that thing to mush, it will still find a way to regenerate completely!

[@riaanduplessis1413]

Superb video quality and film shots.

[@ambergriffin91]

Sooooo awesome! Biological immortality.

[@mishirjii]

"Soon they will be as good as new except for maybe some lingering trust issues" 😂😂

[@christianbrylle8389]

IDK BUT THE NARRATOR HAS A SOOTHING VOICE. I like listening to her while watching the video.

[@zallicorn]

Depp Look should be our biology teacher

[@Anonymous8442]

Watching your videos feels like a refreshing rinse from trash I usually watch. I watch and rewatch so many of your videos. Love them all!

[@kimtungason2111]

It so amazing and interesting, eternal youth

[@shawk952]

Imagine cloning yourself and mate with your clone.

[@thederpysqueege]

This is so cool, we can learn so much (possibly life saving stuff) in the most improbable places Like an unassuming puddle!

[@eggspanda2475]

thats definitely worth a wow

[@Scrappy_ill_fold_ya_Doo]

Hail Hydra.

[@speenlmar9575]

40 years after first learning about hydra, I learnt a lot more.

[@molybdaen11]

Wait, when it regenerates its whole body every 20 days - that's basically a new hydra. Just that it grow up inside the old hydra.

[@Electroblade360]

The Hydra Has Made The Advancement: Postmortal

[@pranavjha4203]

Hydra: finally a worthy opponent