Scientists uncover extreme life inside the Arctic ice
4 days ago
- #Arctic Research
- #Eukaryotic Cells
- #Diatoms
- Arctic diatoms, single-celled algae with glass-like walls, were found to be active in ice at temperatures as low as -15°C, the coldest recorded movement for eukaryotic cells.
- Diatoms move via gliding, facilitated by mucus secretion and molecular motors similar to those in human muscles.
- Research conducted aboard the Sikuliaq vessel revealed diatoms' activity in ice microchannels, challenging previous assumptions of dormancy.
- The study suggests diatoms play a significant role in the Arctic food chain and possibly in ice formation processes.
- Funding and support for the research came from multiple sources, including the National Science Foundation and Stanford University.