Scientists have made history with the discovery of a tiny worm that has lived for about 46,000 years in suspended animation. The ancient nematode was found in Siberian permafrost and has now been revived in modern laboratories.
Researchers at the University of Cologne studied how this creature managed to survive beyond its expected lifespan. They discovered that it used a biological strategy called cryptobiosis, which allows life to appear to stop under cold conditions.
The worm’s ability to enter cryptobiosis is remarkable, as no major metabolic activity occurs during this state. It can endure severe environmental conditions that would normally be lethal. The team also found that the worm produced offspring in controlled conditions, making it a living example of suspended animation.
To understand how this process works, scientists are investigating special molecules that stabilize cells and keep them intact despite extreme dryness or temperature shifts. These findings have implications for preserving biological samples and may even inspire new technologies for food preservation or organ transplants.
The discovery challenges the idea that life cannot pause for millennia, and experts see potential applications in fields like astrobiology and biomedical research. The study’s authors hope to expand their research into older permafrost samples and investigate new forms of cryptobiosis in other deep-freeze environments.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/frozen-worm-comes-back-to-life-after-46000-years