Tardigrades, also known among their many fans as ‘water bears’ or ‘moss piglets’, are quite possibly the cutest microscopic creatures on the planet – and off it.
These mini beasts have been sent up for a stint on the International Space Station and scientists have even launched them out into the vacuum of space.
Left for days with no air, water or protection from intense solar radiation, the tardigrades, amazingly, did just fine. Scientists are figuring out what makes these little animals so indestructible.
When the going gets tough, tardigrades enter an extreme form of hibernation, as cryptobiosis, in which they dry out and hit pause on their metabolism.
Then, when conditions improve and water is available, the tardigrades will rehydrate and go about their business as if nothing happened.
