Microscopic Multi-Celled Organism Survives 24,000 Years In Siberia

NPR

Published June 8, 2021 at 5:52 AM EDT

RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Rachel Martin. Ever have a hard day and think, I could probably sleep for a thousand years? What about 24,000? That's how long a microscopic organism called a bdelloid rotifer was napping in permafrost before Russian scientists found it. The tiny creature was in a state of suspended animation in the Russian Arctic but snapped back to life after being thawed. I guess Dr. Ian Malcolm was right.

(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "JURASSIC PARK")

JEFF GOLDBLUM: (As Malcolm) Life finds a way.

MARTIN: It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.