At 145 Degrees, This Amoeba Manages to Keep Its Cool

Published 1w ago · Updated 1w ago

Covered in 3 countries

AI summary37s readPositive

A newly discovered fire amoeba from California hot springs shatters the heat tolerance record for complex life.

Scientists have discovered a newfound extremophile organism in California volcanic springs capable of surviving extreme temperatures far exceeding previous limits for complex life. Dubbed the fire amoeba, this eukaryotic organism can reproduce at 145 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain movement up to 147 degrees Fahrenheit. This remarkable resilience shoves past previous biological records for heat tolerance in complex organisms.

The newfound organism was discovered living in volcanic streams located in California.
The species can continue moving in temperatures reaching up to 147 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers have officially given the organism the nickname "fire amoeba".

By the numbers

145degrees Fahrenheit reproduction limit

147degrees Fahrenheit movement limit

Why it matters

Extremophiles provide crucial insights into the absolute physiological and biochemical boundaries of life, which has major implications for understanding evolution and the potential for life in extreme environments beyond Earth.