Unbelievable Heat Resistance: Meet the Record-Breaking ‘Fire Amoeba’

A newly discovered single-celled organism in California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park has made a splash in the scientific community. Named Incendiamoeba cascadensis—which translates to “fire amoeba from the Cascades”—this tiny creature can thrive at scorching temperatures of up to 63 degrees Celsius (145 Fahrenheit). This is a record for eukaryotic organisms, which include not just amoebas but also plants and animals.

What’s fascinating is that I. cascadensis doesn’t even begin to grow until temperatures hit 42 degrees Celsius, categorizing it as an obligate thermophile. This means it flourishes in conditions that most life forms would find unbearable.

In a study led by researchers H. Beryl Rappaport and Angela Oliverio from Syracuse University, the team challenged traditional views on temperature limits for eukaryotic cells. They conducted experiments over several years, collecting samples from various hot water sites. Traditional life on Earth thrives under much cooler conditions, typically around 20 degrees Celsius. However, I. cascadensis shows us that life can push these boundaries further than we realized.

Extremophiles like this amoeba are not unique. The planet is home to many organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, that can withstand extreme conditions—from boiling hot springs to icy climates. For instance, Methanopyrus kandleri, another heat-loving microorganism, lives in ocean vents at temperatures reaching 122 degrees Celsius.

The research reveals that below 42 degrees Celsius, the amoeba remains inactive. It grows best between 55 and 57 degrees Celsius, and even reproduces through mitosis at 58 and 63 degrees Celsius. At higher temperatures, like 70 degrees Celsius, it stops moving but can recover if the temperature drops. This unique resilience raises eyebrows about the possibilities of life in extreme environments—perhaps even on other planets.

Experts say the implication of discovering such a heat-tolerant eukaryotic organism is significant. It suggests that life might adapt to conditions previously thought impossible. “This discovery challenges the limits of our understanding of temperature tolerance in complex cells,” remarks Rappaport. The researchers add that their findings could help guide the search for life on other celestial bodies, like Mars or moons covered in ice.

As we gather more insights from I. cascadensis, one thing is clear: life is far more adaptable than we once believed. Who knows what other surprises nature has in store?

For a detailed read on their findings, check the study published on bioRxiv.

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