Transforming Our DNA - 2016 Annual Report

Science News | JANUARY 9, 2016 GLASSY ANSWER

Proteins that are floppy and unformed when water bears are hydrated fold into a glass-like solid as the microscopic creatures dry. This solid encases and protects other proteins and molecules that would normally fall apart when dried, enabling water bears, also known as tardigrades, to withstand extreme desiccation.

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