Science
Newly discovered fire amoeba sets temperature record for complex life
The organism reproduces at 145 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing earlier eukaryotic limits.
The short version
- Researchers identified Incendiamoeba cascadensis, dubbed the fire amoeba, in geothermal waters at California's Lassen Volcanic National Park.[NASA News · NPR]
- The species reproduces at temperatures up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit and moves at up to 147 degrees, breaking the prior 140-degree record for complex organisms.[NASA News · NPR]
- Laboratory tests showed the amoeba can withstand brief exposure to 158 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes.[NASA News]
Key facts
- Scientists identified Incendiamoeba cascadensis, known as the fire amoeba, in Lassen Volcanic National Park.[NASA News · NPR]
- The amoeba reproduces through cell division at temperatures as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit.[NASA News · NPR]
- Above 145 degrees Fahrenheit, the amoeba ceases reproduction but continues searching for food at up to 147 degrees.[NASA News · NPR]
- The discovery was published in the scientific journal Cell.[NASA News · NPR]
- Prior to this discovery, the upper temperature threshold for eukaryotes was 140 degrees Fahrenheit, established by certain fungi and red algae.[NASA News]
- Laboratory evaluations revealed the organism can survive five minutes of exposure to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.[NASA News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.