Curious Cases 7. Invincible Moss Piglets
7 snips
Nov 23, 2024 Join Dr. Nadja Møbjerg, a Tardigrade researcher from the University of Copenhagen, as she unveils the incredible survival abilities of moss piglets. Discover how these tiny creatures can withstand extreme conditions, from droughts to radiation, hinting at their potential role in space travel and even apocalyptic scenarios. Learn the quirky ways to find them and the irony of their natural enemies. With a history of surviving five mass extinctions, these fascinating micro-animals prove to be masters of resilience and adaptability in a complex world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tardigrade Hunting Mishap
- James Fleming was provided with moss from the producer's roof to search for tardigrades.
- While transferring a tardigrade with a pipette, it got stuck and died.
Tardigrade Drought Survival
- Tardigrades can survive droughts by entering a dehydrated state called a tun state.
- They can revive when water returns, effectively stopping and restarting their metabolism.
Tun State Longevity
- Tardigrades can survive in a tun state for at least 20 years, with lab data confirming 30-year survival after being frozen.
- An anecdotal report suggests potential revival after 120 years, but this lacks strong evidence.