Scientists have successfully revived a 24,000-year-old species of microscopic worms known as bdelloid rotifers. The discovery was made by Russian researchers who thawed the frozen organisms from permafrost in Siberia and brought them back to life.
The scientists used a technique called cryptobiosis, which allows certain organisms to survive in a state of suspended animation for thousands of years. By studying these microorganisms, researchers hope to gain insights into how to revive longer-lived species.
This breakthrough could have significant implications for future missions to Mars, where farming and storage technologies are crucial for sustaining human life. The discovery also highlights the importance of extremophiles, organisms that can withstand extreme conditions like high temperatures and low pressures.
The rotifers were found in a layer of permafrost estimated to be around 24,000 years old, based on carbon dating. The scientists used a special medium to thaw the rotifers and observed them reproducing by creating exact clones of themselves.
This experiment marks the latest addition to a growing list of revived organisms, including moss, weeds, and tiny worms called nematodes. These discoveries could pave the way for new technologies that enable the revival of longer-lived species, with potential applications in fields like agriculture and space exploration.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/animals/a63956140/scientists-revive-ancient-frozen-organisms