Scientists from the Japan National Institute for Polar Research were able to successfully bring the animal back to life 30 years after being frozen. Experts found the very "larva" on the territory of Antarctica during the expedition, according to The Independent.
The found animal is known to science under the name "sea bear". The body size of this species is extremely small, and the moss piglets themselves, living in extreme conditions, are able to slow down or even temporarily suspend their metabolic activity for a rather significant period of time. As noted, "sea bears" were discovered in Antarctica back in 1983. After that, the animals were taken to the laboratory and stored for 30 years at a temperature of minus 20 degrees Celsius. In 2014, a team of specialists successfully defrosted moss piglets. In addition, 19 eggs were brought back to life. Later, out of 14, newborn "sea bears" hatched, which did not have any defects or violations. After awakening, ordinary adults behaved in a standard manner after two weeks.
Scientists note that previously this type of slowly moving animal has already been brought back to life after freezing. However, then the "sea bear" was in a kind of coma for only 9 years. New research is critical to understanding the characteristics of moss piglets.
Liza Morskaya