Scientists discover weakness of near-indestructible tardigrade

Latest breakthrough suggests the tiny animals are not as almighty as once thought, Sam Hancock writes

Tardigrades measure, on average, around 0.5mm in length and are almost entirely translucent (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Tardigrades – the microscopic eight-legged animals – have been found to ‘hitch a ride’ on the backs of land snails, according to a new study.

However, researchers at Poland’s Adam Mickiewicz University also discovered that the near-indestructible creatures are less likely to survive when covered in snail slime.

Also known as water bears, tardigrades can live in extreme environments – including outer space – that would kill most other forms of life.