"Unveiling Life's Limits: Surviving at 125°"
Biologists from Syracuse University are studying microbial eukaryotes in geothermal lakes to understand how these single-celled microorganisms adapt to extreme environments. By analyzing previous studies and building a database, the researchers discovered that certain lineages of amoebae are frequently found in high-temperature environments, suggesting their potential for adaptation. The team conducted field research at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, collecting samples from a hot and acidic geothermal lake. They are currently isolating single cells for genome sequencing and characterizing the amoebae by microscopy. The findings will contribute to understanding the distribution and evolution of life on Earth.