“We Couldn’t Believe What We Were Seeing”: Scientists Have Discovered a Bizarre New Microbe with an “Alien” Reproductive Strategy

A recent study published in Protist reports that a marine microorganism reproduces in a previously unknown way: by creating new cells inside its body, then rupturing to release them. The bizarre process is reminiscent of the reproductive horror depicted in the movie Alien, albeit on a microscopic scale. This microbe is part of the Labyrinthulomycetes, a group of marine microorganisms that play a key role in recycling nutrients by breaking down dead plants and animals in salty environments. Beyond their ecological importance, some species in this group are valued for producing omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which is also found in oily fish, and carotenoids, pigments used in food coloring. This newly discovered species also contains roughly 50% protein, adding to its potential commercial value for applications such as food supplements, infant formula, and aquaculture.

• "Instead of dividing into two, as we would expect, the mature cells develop a large internal chamber in which entirely new daughter cells grow," said Professor Peter Morris, a plant biologist at Heriot-Watt University. "Some of those daughters already have another developing generation inside them, before they are released when the mother cell breaks open," Morris added. "So, these microbes can be pregnant grandmothers, in the same way as some species of greenfly are born already pregnant."

The researchers named the new species Caledochytrium aldermanii, drawing from Caledonia, the Latin name for Scotland, where it was discovered in three locations. The species name also recognizes Dr. David Alderman, whose early work culturing the microbe made the study possible. This discovery resulted from a long-term collaboration among Heriot-Watt University, its spinout company Strameno, CEFAS Weymouth, and the Institute of Aquaculture at Stirling University.

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