Study of round worm that returns to life after freezing.

The first molecular study of an organism able to survive intracellular freezing i.e freezing within its cells is published in a new paper that represents a milestone in scientists’ understanding of an extraordinary adaptation. The tiny Antarctic nematode, more commonly known as a round worm, (Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1) was cultured from a coastal Antarctic penguin rookery at McMurdo Sound, and is the best-documented organism able to survive the disruptions brought about by total freezing. The nematode is also able to undergo a form of freeze avoidance by eliminating all of its water content, called cryoprotective dehydration. However, it is the ability to survive intracellular freezing which makes this organism really stand out.continue