Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SUPER DUPER BUG
Tardigrades will survive on Earth until the sun gives up
THE world’s most indestructible creature is so hardy it will survive almost any calamity that befalls the planet, researchers have decided.
Eight-legged tardigrades can live without food or water for up to 30 years, anywhere from the Himalayas to 13,000 feet below the surface of the sea.
The water-dwelling, pinhead-sized animals live up to 60 years and can also survive the frozen vacuum of outer space or near boiling temperatures. Now University of Oxford scientists have found not even a huge asteroid strike or deadly radiation from an exploding star would bring extinction, meaning they are likely to be around until the sun dies in seven billion years’ time.
The research, published in journal Scientific Reports, shows life on Earth is much harder to destroy than thought – raising the chances of similar animals surviving on other planets. Researcher Dr Rafael Alves Batista said: “Life on this planet can continue long after humans are gone. Tardigrades are as close to indestructible as it gets on Earth, but it is possible that there are other resilient species examples elsewhere in the universe.
“In this context there is a real case for looking for life on Mars.” YES, it’s only been a month since Beyonce gave birth to twins – a baby boy and girl – and no, we don’t know how she does it either.
The singer, 35, and husband Jay Z, 47, posted a pic on Instagram, with Bey as a floral Earth Mother.
They had been yet to confirm the arrival of Sir Carter and
Rumi, siblings to Blue Ivy, five.
Last month, Jay, pictured right, released new album 4:44, in which he apologised for alleged infidelities.