Tardigrades' latest superpower: a fluorescent protective shield [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Scientists identify a species that appears to absorb potentially lethal UV radiation and emit blue light

Nicola Davis Science correspondent
@NicolaKSDavis
Tue 13 Oct 2020 19.01 EDT

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https://tinyurl.com/y5cvaobb

The might be tiny creatures with a comical appearance, but tardigrades are one of life’s great survivors. Now scientists say they have found a new species boasting an unexpected piece of armour: a protective fluorescent shield.

Also known as water bears or moss piglets, tardigrades are microscopic, water-dwelling creatures, around 0.5mm to 1mm in length, that resemble a crumpled hoover bag with eight legs.

But while their appearance invites amusing comparisons, it is their hardiness that has inspired awe: the creatures can survive the vacuum of space, extreme temperatures and pressures, and intense ionising and UV radiation.

Among their survival tactics, tardigrades have the ability to shrivel up in a dormant state in which they can survive for decades, while they also produce proteins to protect their cells.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/14/tardigrades-latest-superpower-a-fluorescent-protective-shield