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"Water Bears" First Animals to Survive Trip Into Space Naked

Posted by timothy on from the if-we-could-only-rehydrate-lobsters dept.

Adam Korbitz writes "New Scientist and Science Daily are reporting the results of an intriguing experiment in which scientists launched tardigrades or 'water bears' — tiny invertebrates about one millimeter long — into space onboard the European Space Agency's FOTON-M3 spacecraft. After 10 days in the vacuum of space, the satellite returned to Earth and the tardigrades were recovered. The tardigrades survived the vacuum just fine, but exposure to the Sun's ultraviolet radiation proved deadly for most of the water bears. However, some did survive. The tardigrades are the first animals to have survived such an experiment, a feat previously achieved only by lichens and bacteria."

6 of 235 comments (clear)

  1. First Posters by sheepweevil · · Score: 5, Funny

    The next animals to undergo the experiment: First Posters.

    1. Re:First Posters by hclewk · · Score: 5, Funny

      Uh oh... Here comes PETA...

  2. Fantastic.. by Rob+T+Firefly · · Score: 5, Funny

    Of the four water bears to survive the radiation in space, one is now invisible, one is really stretchy, one is on fire, and one is made of rocks.

    --
    Slashdot Burying Stories About Slashdot Media Owned
  3. "Water Bears" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Aquatic hairy gay men?

  4. Save the Water Bears! by homesnatch · · Score: 5, Funny

    I find it detestable that we are doing these kinds of experiments on water bears!

    We need to protest... I will start a campaign!

    --Nuke the Whales--

  5. Re:Next time by umghhh · · Score: 5, Funny

    What if they survive but be stronger than ever?
    What will you do than?