AI Insight
Scientists have discovered a new species of amoeba in California's Lassen Volcanic National Park that can survive and reproduce at temperatures up to 63°C (145°F), making it the most heat-tolerant complex organism ever documented. The amoeba can withstand even higher temperatures of up to 70°C (158°F) by transforming its shape and developing a protective outer layer. This discovery significantly expands the known upper temperature limit for eukaryotic life.
Why it matters
This finding extends our understanding of the extreme conditions under which complex life can exist, with implications for astrobiology and the search for life on other planets. The amoeba's heat-protection mechanisms could potentially inform biotechnology applications requiring heat-resistant biological systems.
Understand the Science
A tiny, single-celled organism can thrive at temperatures that would kill all other known complex life. In a study published in Cell, scientists describe a new species of amoeba that can eat and reproduce in hot spring water as warm as 63°C (145°F) in California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park. The amoeba can protect itself at temperatures up to 70°C (158°F) by changing shape and forming a protective outer layer.
Source: Hot spring amoeba breaks record for heat tolerance of complex life