
Tardigrades survive being dried out thanks to proteins found in no other animals on Earth
A unique protein found only in tardigrades explains why these tiny animals can dry out completely and survive.
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.
Related Topics: Biodiversity, Amphibians, Life's Little Mysteries