Ever hear of an animal that can survive boiling hot springs, being frozen inside a glacier, and even the vacuum of space? Meet the tardigrade, sometimes also called a “water bear.” Not only do they exhibit a seemingly supernatural ability to withstand environments that would be instantly fatal to most other forms of life, but they look like cute little bears with (admittedly terrifying) claws.
These tardigrade-specific intrinsically disordered proteins (TDPs) create a protective shield around vital cellular components, a mechanism that scientists are exploring for potential breakthroughs in preserving biological tissues and improving the stability of pharmaceuticals.
SOON AVAILABLE in easy to take tablet form. 30 tablets only $99.89. But act fast.
So, I want to know what they DO. What’s their function in the world. What do they eat? Do they have any enemies? Any social structure within say, a moss colony? 🤔
Louise, that sounds like a pretty good idea for a follow up article! I know they love wet places and moss, and they are generally very solitary, unlike ants, but I don't know much beyond that.
And how on earth did humans discover the tiny critters?
I have moss out back, and tomorrow I will go out and greet them - the many thousands- with a hearty “Ohayou gozaimasu.” Do they speak a certain dialect of their own language? Do they communicate in any way?
Let's see... Microscopes came into existence around 1600. By 1773, they probably became sophisticated enough to enable viewers to see the tiny piglets, the dear little things. There is so much of the microscopic world to explore. Keep going, Andrew!!!
Now I know! I actually had heard of tardigrades from a fun science podcast the girls listen to but I don’t recall the use of water bears in it. Seems like a missed opportunity for kids.
Been a fan of tardigrades before, and now I'm an even bigger one. Quite a lot of stuff I didn't know about them, but by far the most momentous discovery for me is the "moss piglets" nickname. That's just amazing.
Moss Piglets in Spaaaaaace!
Would have totally worked on the Muppet Show.
I still can't get over "moss piglets."
Haha my best friends nickname for me is water bear, named after the tardigrades. She tells me I can survive anything. Very cool read Andrew!
Awesome nickname!
Although, "moss piglet" is always there on the back burner, just in case.
Moss piglet is a good one as well. Maybe I can make it stick in the gym 🤪
These tardigrade-specific intrinsically disordered proteins (TDPs) create a protective shield around vital cellular components, a mechanism that scientists are exploring for potential breakthroughs in preserving biological tissues and improving the stability of pharmaceuticals.
SOON AVAILABLE in easy to take tablet form. 30 tablets only $99.89. But act fast.
I'm gonna go ahead and let a few million other people try this one first.
(but really, it is a matter of time before someone figures out how to make something like this work)
So, I want to know what they DO. What’s their function in the world. What do they eat? Do they have any enemies? Any social structure within say, a moss colony? 🤔
Louise, that sounds like a pretty good idea for a follow up article! I know they love wet places and moss, and they are generally very solitary, unlike ants, but I don't know much beyond that.
And how on earth did humans discover the tiny critters?
I have moss out back, and tomorrow I will go out and greet them - the many thousands- with a hearty “Ohayou gozaimasu.” Do they speak a certain dialect of their own language? Do they communicate in any way?
I found 1773 for the date, which is...well, kind of incredible. I think I heard about them like 15 years ago! Where were these guys all my life?
Let's see... Microscopes came into existence around 1600. By 1773, they probably became sophisticated enough to enable viewers to see the tiny piglets, the dear little things. There is so much of the microscopic world to explore. Keep going, Andrew!!!
Thanks, Louise! I really appreciate your curiosity and enthusiasm. That stuff is gold.
Great, now I am planning to run away with a colony of moss piglets and go into a state of tun until we get our shit together!
Yikes, you might be there for a long time.
It's a one way trip
I note that "tun" and "fun" happen to rhyme. Coincidence?
haha
Now I know! I actually had heard of tardigrades from a fun science podcast the girls listen to but I don’t recall the use of water bears in it. Seems like a missed opportunity for kids.
Dude, I'm still on the floor over "moss piglets."
I want to shrink down to their size and give a water bear a hug.
Just watch out for their claws! Maybe wait until they're Hansolo'd.
Been a fan of tardigrades before, and now I'm an even bigger one. Quite a lot of stuff I didn't know about them, but by far the most momentous discovery for me is the "moss piglets" nickname. That's just amazing.
That's certainly my "fact of the day." Adorable!
Have you seen Cricket on TikTok?
lilacmess82