TED-Ed: Meet the tardigrade, the toughest animal on Earth - Thomas Boothby

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are incredibly resilient creatures capable of surviving extreme conditions such as high radiation, freezing, and the vacuum of space. They achieve this through a process called anhydrobiosis, entering a tun state to protect their cells. Tardigrades are found worldwide, from deserts to ice sheets. Scientific research aims to understand their survival mechanisms, which could lead to advancements in vaccine stabilization and stress-tolerant crops. Their ability to endure space conditions also provides insights into the limits of life and potential for life on other planets.

How do tardigrades protect their sensitive biological molecules during desiccation?

What potential applications could arise from studying tardigrades' survival mechanisms?