Exploring the Toughness of Tardigrades: A Study on Adaption
Summary
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are tiny creatures considered to be the most adaptable organisms on Earth. Researchers are captivated by their resilience and are studying how they survive in extreme environments such as the deep ocean and even in space. In two new experiments, Dr. Thomas Boothby sent tardigrades to the International Space Station and also deep into the ocean to examine how they cope with stress in disparate environments. The experiments aim to uncover how tardigrades genetically adapt to different levels of pressure, such as in space or undersea habitats, and study their unique adaptation tools for potential real-world applications, such as stabilizing biological material in a dry state for medical use.
Table of Contents:
- The Toughness of Tardigrades: How Do They Survive Extreme Environments?
- The Aquanaut Experiment: Tardigrades in the Deep Ocean
- The Astronaut Experiment: Tardigrades in Space
- Discovering the Genes of Tardigrades that Allow Them to Adapt and Thrive
- Real-World Applications: Using Tardigrade Proteins to Stabilize Biological Material in a Dry State
The Toughness of Tardigrades: How Do They Survive Extreme Environments?
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are tiny organisms that are incredibly adaptable to extreme environments. Researchers are fascinated by tardigrades because they can survive in conditions such as the deep ocean or even in space. To study their resilience, researchers have put tardigrades through a series of experiments such as shooting them out of a gun, exposing them to the vacuum of space, and freezing them nearly to absolute zero.
However, researchers still don’t understand how tardigrades manage to survive in such extreme conditions. Therefore, Dr. Thomas Boothby sent tardigrades to the International Space Station and also deep into the ocean to learn more about tardigrades’ adaptability.
The Aquanaut Experiment: Tardigrades in the Deep Ocean
Dr. Hunter Hine has taken tardigrades into the deep ocean for extended periods of time to study how they cope with different levels of pressure. Tardigrades are predators of microorganisms and can ingest algae, making them green in color. To conduct the experiment, Dr. Hine packed the tardigrades into dry boxes and triple bagged them to journey 30 feet down to the Jules Underwater Lodge, which is only accessible through scuba diving.
Dr. Hine conducted a 24-hour experiment, spending most of the time in the underwater habitat that had sensors to measure the gas levels. He used a portable microscope to observe how the animals were affected by pressure, which slowed them down and caused them to be sluggish. Dr. Hine then packaged the tardigrades into tubes and mailed them back to Dr. Boothby’s lab for molecular testing.
The Astronaut Experiment: Tardigrades in Space
Dr. Boothby also sent tardigrades to the International Space Station to study their adaptability to microgravity and increased radiation. The tardigrades were housed in small tubes and sent up on a SpaceX rocket. An astronaut, Thomas, helped care for the animals and communicated with the researchers on Earth.
Similar to the deep sea experiment, Dr. Boothby needed to get samples of the tardigrades every hour to examine their genetic makeup. He stabilized the RNA molecules, which helped preserve them indefinitely. The samples from space shuttle experiments will provide a snapshot of the underlying molecular profile of the tardigrades and how their genes respond to different levels of stress.
Discovering the Genes of Tardigrades that Allow Them to Adapt and Thrive
Dr. Boothby’s previous experiments on tardigrades have revealed unique genes that only tardigrades have. Proteins made from these genes are intrinsically disorderly, constantly changing their shape to keep these tiny creatures alive in a state of suspended animation. Through experiments, tardigrade proteins have been found to stabilize biological material in a dry state, and Dr. Boothby believes they could be used to stabilize human blood. He is optimistic about using tardigrade proteins to help crops become more drought-tolerant.
From the experiments conducted in space and deep in the ocean, scientists are hoping to gain a better understanding of which specific genes are activated when organisms experience stress. Discovering these genes can help develop technology that could allow humans to have an enduring presence in space on prolonged missions or to establish a permanent moon base.
Real-World Applications: Using Tardigrade Proteins to Stabilize Biological Material in a Dry State
One application for tardigrade proteins is stabilizing blood in a dry state. The ability to dry and reconstitute blood would be a significant win for health pursuits since powdered blood could be shipped without refrigeration. If this experiment works by drying specific blood cell types, it could change the way patients receive medical care globally.
The possibilities of using tardigrade proteins to stabilize biological material in a dry state are endless. From vaccines to crops, we have the potential to build a more resilient society by utilizing the power of the mighty moss piglet.
Conclusion
Tardigrades have already taught us about their unique adaptations to survive in extreme environments. With the new experiments conducted both in space and deep in the ocean, we could uncover more about how they genetically adjust to various types of pressure. Insights into tardigrade genetics could provide solutions to some of our society’s most significant challenges, such as stabilizing biological material in a dry state for medical use or developing more drought-tolerant crops. The tardigrade could be the missing piece of the puzzle we need to develop innovative solutions to problems we have yet to solve.
