There is an animal that can survive the vacuum of space.

Tardigrades, or water bears, are about half a millimetre long. In 2007 scientists sent them into orbit, exposed to open space, and some came back alive and went on to have babies.

Truth label: Established. Strong evidence and broad agreement among experts.

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They dry themselves out

When conditions get harsh they curl into a "tun", losing almost all their water and slowing their metabolism to almost nothing.

They are everywhere

Moss in your garden almost certainly has some.

Learn

1. Tough by design. In their dried state they can survive extreme cold, heat, pressure and radiation.
2. Not invincible. Active tardigrades are far more fragile. Their superpower is pausing life, not ignoring danger.

Test yourself

Sources

• Tardigrade overview

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