Tardigrades Can Survive Even in Space

When they were first noticed under microscopes, their slow, chubby movement looked almost cute. The real surprise began when experiments showed how hard they are to kill. In danger, tardigrades lose most of their body water and enter a shrunken state called a tun. Their metabolism drops to extremely low levels, helping them endure freezing, dehydration, and low oxygen. Some species have protective proteins and repair systems that help reduce DNA damage. This can soften the impact of radiation that would normally shred cells. Their toughness inspires research in space biology and long term preservation. By stretching the limits of life, they make the question of where life ends far more interesting.