When you imagine what aliens look like in real life, images of skinny, big-headed humanoids tend to populate the mind. However, as scientists begin to discover new and exciting life forms here on Earth, the definition of “extraterrestrial” is beginning to change.
SCIENTISTS FIND ALIENS IN EARTH’S OCEAN
Scientists have just discovered a new animal on Earth that’s tougher than most. In these creatures (called tardigrades), they found a special gene that helps them survive extreme temperatures. Tardigrades can survive boiling, freezing, and even radiation. Now, efforts are being made to grow human cells that have this same protective protein. Since life on other planets might have extreme conditions, maybe aliens look like tardigrades.
SCIENTISTS FIND WATER BEARS FROM SPACE: ARE THEY ALIEN?
Tardigrades are microscopic creatures more commonly known as water bears. In 2007, the European Space Agency’s satellite brought thousands of water bear cubs into the vacuum of space. Therefore, they are now “Tardis”, tardigrades in space. As part of the project, scientists found that these space bears not only survived up there, but were able to reproduce after returning to Earth. If these things can survive the harsh environments of space, it’s entirely possible that there are similar microscopic aliens out there doing the same.
SCIENTISTS USE ALIENS TO HELP HUMANS
In addition to showing off their incredible resilience, researchers are trying to find other uses for tardigrades. Tardigrades are much more resistant to X-rays than human cells and researchers suspect they have many more tricks up their sleeves in the future. With further research, they believe these special genes may make it safer to store and transport human cells. Moreover, they can protect delicate human skin from damage. This will hopefully come in handy when humans live in extremely harsh environments such as Mars and beyond.
