Stealing a ‘superpower’

Study finds some sea slugs consume algae, incorporate photosynthetic parts into their own bodies to keep producing nutrients

Originally published by Kermit Pattison, Harvard Staff Writer, on June 25, 2025

It could be the plot of a summer sci-fi blockbuster: A creature feeds on its prey and inherits its “superpower.” Only this is real.


Corey Allard in his lab at Harvard Medical School. 
Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer

A new study led by Harvard biologists describes how some sea slugs consume algae and incorporate their photosynthetic organelles into their own bodies. The organelles continue to perform photosynthesis, providing nutrients and energy to their hosts and serving as emergency rations in times of starvation.

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