A tiny creature called a Tardigrade could be alive in space after a spacecraft carrying several thousands of them crashed into the moon.
The micro animals - often called water bears or moss piglets - are less than a millimetre long and can survive extreme temperatures. Tardigrades, with their barrel-shaped bodies and four pairs of stubby legs, are able to survive being boiled close to 150°C and can be frozen at almost absolute zero.
Tardigrades are found all over the world, including in the deserts and Antarctic subglacial lakes. They are often found on lichens and mosses, but can also flourish in dunes, on beaches, soil and in water.
They can also be brought back to life after being dehydrated for decades. Because of this quality, they were the first animal to survive in space back in 2007.
Several thousands of the eight-legged creatures were on the unmanned Israeli aircraft Beresheet, as part of an experiment, when it lost control and crashed into the moon in April.
The US-based Arch Mission Foundation, which sponsored the tardigrades’ space expedition, thinks they have survived.
"We believe the chances of survival for the tardigrades... are extremely high," Arch Mission Foundation boss Nova Spivack told the BBC.
The foundation stores a “backup” of planet Earth, complete with human knowledge and the planet’s biology stored and sent out in various solar locations in case of a life ending event.
They are believed to have survived because they can withstand extreme conditions and can suspend their metabolism through cryptobiosis, where metabolic rate lowers to less than 0.01 per cent of normal, water content can drop to 1 per cent of normal and they could go without food or water for more than 30 years.
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
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Dir: Guy Nattiv
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MATCH INFO
Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, May 3
Live: On BeIN Sports HD
