tardigrade
/ˈtɑːr.dɪ.ɡreɪd/
Definition
A microscopic, eight-legged invertebrate animal, also known as a water bear, highly resilient to extreme environmental conditions including space-like stresses.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'tardigradus', meaning 'slow-stepping,' which was coined by the Italian naturalist Lazzaro Spallanzani in 1776. It captures the creature's notably sluggish pace of movement.
In the news
Tardigrades appear as a specific research category in the article's sidebar, highlighting their status as iconic subjects in space biology for studying life's resilience to extreme conditions. Their inclusion reflects ongoing scientific interest in how such organisms endure space-like environments.
NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,204 12 June 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)
Read the full article ↗Astrobiology News