"Unveiling the Secrets of Extreme Survival: Insights from 'Water Bear' Genomes"

Tardigrades, also known as "water bears", are incredibly resilient organisms capable of surviving extreme conditions such as drought, radiation, and low oxygen environments. A study published in Genome Biology and Evolution by scientists at Keio University Institute for Advanced Biosciences, the University of Oslo Natural History Museum, and the University of Bristol reveals the complex genetic landscape behind tardigrade extremotolerance, shedding light on the intricate network of gene duplications and losses associated with their ability to survive. The study identified sequences from six gene families across 13 tardigrade genera, providing insights into the evolution of tardigrade extremotolerance and its link to habitat changes.