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![Image Source:
https://www.quantamagazine.org/ctenophores-arent-just-beautiful-theyre-biological-wonders-20260916/
Using volume electron microscopy, Burkhardt’s lab identified 17 unique cell types in Mnemiopsis leidyi — 11 of which were previously unknown — in an all-important structure called the aboral organ (center). Together, these cells help ctenophores sense light, pressure, and gravity, and the aboral organ is tightly integrated with a continuous network of fused neurons that forms the nervous system. “Having more neurons condensed at a certain place, that’s one theory [for] how the very first brains evolved,” Burkhardt said. The research was published in March 2026(opens a new tab) in Science Advances.
Credit
Alexandre Jan, Michael Sars Centre/University of Bergen](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:5p6nccydle7rv2gcczzz5tw5/bafkreibmbawmdiz3mv56oxcwtvsypbeojxr4qjxyz33rrvazcznszf4pt4@jpeg)