Tardigrades are microscopic water-dwelling animals capable of surviving harsh environments on both Earth and in space – and scientists say this ability could help safeguard astronauts. Members aboard the space station will study the Tardigrades with the hopes of identifying specific genes involved in its adaptation and survival in high stress environments. All of the scientific research is tasked with discovering new ways of bettering the human body for both astronauts in space and those here on Earth. Tardigrades have proven to be virtually impossible to kill – they can be froze, boiled, crushed and even zapped with radiation. This experiment aims to not only help astronauts, but also those suffering with kidney stones on Earth.

Source: Daily Mail May 21, 2021 17:40 UTC