Tardigrades, or “water bears,” are microscopic creatures renowned for their resilience in extreme conditions, including desiccation, freezing, and exposure to space. They achieve this by entering a cryptobiotic state, effectively suspending metabolism. Recent research has identified unique proteins, such as Dsup, that protect their DNA from damage, enhancing their survival capabilities. These findings not only deepen our understanding of tardigrade biology but also hold potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.
Full article: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/mar/20/tardigrades-natures-great-survivors