Microscopic tardigrades, or "water bears," have successfully reproduced after emerging from 30 years frozen in an Antarctic moss sample.
The tiny creatures' revival after three decades in frozen moss is a new record, and the resumption of reproductive abilities is a first.
Researchers in Japan say the findings will offer new insights into tardigrades' cryptobiosis abilities -- the species' ability to temporarily shut down metabolic activity in response to external changes, like cold temperatures.
The moss sample was collected in 1983. In May 2014, it was defrosted and submerged in water.
From the thawed moss sample, scientists successfully extracted two water bears and one egg. The egg was reared in the lab, fueled by algae food. Both the newly hatched tardigrade and one of the two revived from the frozen moss went on to continually reproduce.
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