Tardigrades survive decades without water
Tardigrades, microscopic water bears, can enter a suspended animation called cryptobiosis, allowing them to survive extreme dehydration for decades and endure the harshest conditions on Earth and in space.
Tardigrades, or water bears, are microscopic champions of survival. When faced with extreme dryness, these tiny creatures enter a dormant state called cryptobiosis, shedding up to 97% of their body water. They curl into a protective 'tun' shape, halting their metabolism and essentially pausing life. This incredible adaptation allows them to endure for decades, even reviving after 30 years in controlled experiments.
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