How sea anemones living on deep-sea hydrothermal vents avoid metal poisoning

DNA reveals an unusually high number of genes geared toward protecting cells from heavy metals

An underwater photo of the sea anemone alvinactis idsseensis in the Indian Ocean's Edmond vent field.

The sea anemone Alvinactis idsseensis, pictured thriving in the harsh environment of the Indian Ocean's Edmond vent field, has evolved an expanded arsenal of genes that protect it from toxic heavy metals.

IDSSE Deep-Sea Scientific Research Image and Video Database

Life near deep-sea hydrothermal vents can be pretty metal — literally.