Tardigrades
Perhaps the epitome of the cute-ugly, creepy-cool divide, tardigrades are marvels of nature. The microscopic creatures, also called water bears, are known as much for their pudgy, almost comical, appearances as their ability to survive almost anything thrown there way, from starvation to radiation. When it comes to tardigrades, Live Science leaves no micro-stone unturned. Here's the latest news on all things tardigrades, from recent discoveries, to dissections of their oddities, to breakdowns of various mysteries.
Latest about tardigrades

15 of the weirdest things we have launched into space
By Harry Baker published
From a dummy-driven Tesla, to a giant disco ball, to U.S. presidents' hair, here are some of the weirdest things humans have put into space.

Tardigrade proteins could help stabilize drugs without refrigeration, scientists say
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Proteins found in tardigrades could be used to stabilize drugs that would otherwise need refrigeration.

8 Reasons Why We Love Tardigrades
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
Whether you know them as water bears or moss piglets, tardigrades are microscopic bundles of awesomeness.

30-Year Deep Freeze Just Puts Tardigrade in the Mood
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
Two tardigrades and one egg that spent the past three decades cooling their jets in a researchers' freezer were recently resuscitated.

Move Over, Tardigrades — 'Mold Pigs' Are the New Micro-Beast in Town
By Nicoletta Lanese last updated
A paleobiologist uncovered a never-before-seen microinvertebrate in Dominican amber.

An Even-Weirder-Than-Usual Tardigrade Just Turned Up in a Parking Lot
By Stephanie Pappas last updated
The world's newest species of water bear has eight legs and eggs covered with tentacles.

Key to Tardigrades' 'Superpowers' Identified in Their DNA
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
A tardigrade's unique genetic makeup fuels the creature's remarkable resuscitation superpowers.

Tardigrades survive being dried out thanks to proteins found in no other animals on Earth
By Stephanie Pappas published
A unique protein found only in tardigrades explains why these tiny animals can dry out completely and survive.
Stay up to date on the latest science news by signing up for our Essentials newsletter.
Thank you for signing up to Live Science. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.