If you freeze any organism, the water in the cells expands which ruptures them and they die ... but not if you're a roundworm. (Science Daily: Study of round worm that returns to life after freezing)
Antarctic nematode worms photographed under the microscope.
Credit: David Wharton
- SD
- Infer the prime goal of freezing people to create a state of 'suspended animation' for interstellar spaceflight -
The first molecular study of an organism able to survive intracellular freezing (freezing within its cells) is published this week by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), in collaboration with researchers from the University of Otago, New Zealand. The paper represents a milestone in scientists' understanding of an extraordinary adaptation.
- SD
That's specifically the problem mentioned at the top but the worm ignores it and survives anyway. You know the problem if you ever saw a frozen milk bottle.
The tiny Antarctic nematode, more commonly known as a round worm, (Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1) was cultured from a coastal Antarctic penguin rookery at McMurdo Sound, and is the best-documented organism able to survive the disruptions brought about by total freezing. The nematode is also able to undergo a form of freeze avoidance by eliminating all of its water content, called cryoprotective dehydration. However, it is the ability to survive intracellular freezing which makes this organism really stand out.
- SD
How about rolling up some of that DNA to make a GMO Iceman? Are you willing?
The researchers are looking for the genes which enable the capability so behold the Iceman!
Exploring gene expression patterns, the researchers were able to show how molecularly active the nematodes are while in a frozen state, highlighting certain key genes enabling them to endure such an extreme physical state.
- SD
Antarctic nematode worms photographed under the microscope.
Credit: David Wharton
- SD
- Infer the prime goal of freezing people to create a state of 'suspended animation' for interstellar spaceflight -
The first molecular study of an organism able to survive intracellular freezing (freezing within its cells) is published this week by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), in collaboration with researchers from the University of Otago, New Zealand. The paper represents a milestone in scientists' understanding of an extraordinary adaptation.
- SD
That's specifically the problem mentioned at the top but the worm ignores it and survives anyway. You know the problem if you ever saw a frozen milk bottle.
The tiny Antarctic nematode, more commonly known as a round worm, (Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1) was cultured from a coastal Antarctic penguin rookery at McMurdo Sound, and is the best-documented organism able to survive the disruptions brought about by total freezing. The nematode is also able to undergo a form of freeze avoidance by eliminating all of its water content, called cryoprotective dehydration. However, it is the ability to survive intracellular freezing which makes this organism really stand out.
- SD
How about rolling up some of that DNA to make a GMO Iceman? Are you willing?
The researchers are looking for the genes which enable the capability so behold the Iceman!
Exploring gene expression patterns, the researchers were able to show how molecularly active the nematodes are while in a frozen state, highlighting certain key genes enabling them to endure such an extreme physical state.
- SD
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