Nature is incredible. The proof with this tiny animal, measuring less than 1 mm, which has real superpowers. So much so that he can even survive in the space of space!

Nature is incredible. The proof with this tiny animal, measuring less than 1 mm, which has real superpowers. So much so that he can even survive in the space of space!

Nature is incredible. In the most inaccessible corners of our planet, tiny creatures defy the laws of nature. Whether in ocean abyss, the depths of the Amazon forest or arid deserts, organisms thrive where life seems impossible. Their resilience in the face of extreme conditions strongly intrigues scientists.

Among these fascinating beings, one of them is distinguished by its ability to survive in environments that even the most sophisticated machines are struggling to endure. This tiny animal, measuring barely a millimeter, has an unusual resistance to pressure – we speak of pressures of 600 megapascals anyway – to radiation, at extreme temperatures – from absolute zero to 150 ° C -, and even with space vacuum.

This extraordinary organization, known as Tardigrade, or “water bear”, lives everywhere on earth, whether in the oceans, glaciers or deserts. It was discovered in the 18th century. Since then, he has continued to surprise by his adaptability. So much so that in 2007, late were exposed to the space vacuum during the Foton-M3 mission and survived, even after ten days in orbit, demonstrating an unequaled resistance. In comparison, no other animal would have survived.

Its secret lies in a unique protein, the DSUP protein, capable of protecting its DNA from the most severe damage, even radiation. Researchers see in her a glow of hope for major medical advances, especially in the treatment of cancers. Recent studies have shown that DSUP could protect human cells from radiation damage, which could open the way for new therapies for patients, which are unfortunately subject to aggressive treatments.

In addition, the ability of the Tardigrades to enter cryptobiosis, a state that allows them to slow down their metabolic processes almost until stopping, arouses interest in spatial applications, in particular the protection of astronauts against cosmic radiation. In this state, it curls up, completely dehydrates, replaces its water with a sugar and reduces its metabolic process up to 0.01 % of normal. He can thus survive for decades!

Thus, although Tardigrade is one of the smallest known animals, it really has “superpowers” which could be very useful in our approach to medicine and spatial exploration. Note that some researchers have hypothesized that the Tardigrades could be of extraterrestrial origin, that they would have traveled on a comet in cryptobiosis. And there is a very good chance that they will survive us …