Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- Scientists have identified genetic mechanisms in a jellyfish capable of reversing its own ageing cycle, raising hopes that similar processes could one day be triggered in human cells to treat age-related diseases, the BBC reports.

The species, Turritopsis dohrnii, is known as the "immortal jellyfish" for its ability to revert from an adult form back to an earlier larval stage when placed under physical stress.

Rather than dying, the animal essentially restarts its lifecycle -- a feat researchers say is unique in the animal kingdom.

Marine biologist Maria Miglietta of Texas A&M University at Galveston, who has put the creatures through starvation, overheating and abrupt salinity changes, told the BBC each new jellyfish...