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Regeneration, super strength, stolen powers: Meet sea creatures inspiring research

Some sea slugs can steal the abilities of other animals after eating them. Biologist Drew Harvell thinks this "super power" could be harnessed by researchers one day to make transplantation surgeries in humans more effective.
TARIK TINAZAY/Getty Images
Some sea slugs can steal the abilities of other animals after eating them. Biologist Drew Harvell thinks this "super power" could be harnessed by researchers one day to make transplantation surgeries in humans more effective.

From starfish and sea slugs to jellyfish and sponges, the ocean's invertebrates are some of the most ancient and diverse critters on Earth. And so are their superpowers, as marine biologist Drew Harvell calls them. In her new book, The Ocean's Menagerie, she chronicles the amazing abilities of some of these spineless creatures and showcases how they've inspired our science and medicine.

Want to hear more stories about underwater marvels? Email us and let us know at shortwave@npr.org.

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This episode was produced by Berly McCoy and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. Jimmy Keeley was the audio engineer.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Regina G. Barber
Regina G. Barber is Short Wave's Scientist in Residence. She contributes original reporting on STEM and guest hosts the show.
Berly McCoy
Kimberly (Berly) McCoy (she/her) is an assistant producer for NPR's science podcast, Short Wave. The podcast tells stories about science and scientists, in all the forms they take.
Rebecca Ramirez
Rebecca Ramirez (she/her) is the founding producer of NPR's daily science podcast, Short Wave. It's a meditation in how to be a Swiss Army Knife, in that it involves a little of everything — background research, finding and booking sources, interviewing guests, writing, cutting the tape, editing, scoring ... you get the idea.