Russian scientists have successfully revived and cloned bdelloid rotifers, microscopic organisms that have been dormant for approximately 24,000 years.

The researchers collected samples from a section of permafrost in Siberia, which has remained frozen since the end of the Pleistocene epoch, roughly 11,700 years ago.

Upon gently thawing the frozen rotifers, the scientists observed the organisms resuming normal activities, including their characteristic asexual reproduction.

Lead author Stas Malavin, a researcher at Russia’s Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science, explained that the rotifers enter a state of suspended animation known as cryptobiosis.

This process allows them to halt their metabolism and accumulate protective compounds, enabling them to recover when environmental conditions improve.

The research team extracted an intact sample of soil from a depth of 11.5 feet, which was confirmed to be approximately 24,000 years old through carbon dating.

After thawing the soil with a specialized medium, the scientists noted the rapid reproduction of the rotifers, making it challenging to distinguish between the ancient organisms and their new clones.

The study of cryptobiosis in bdelloid rotifers contributes to the broader field of cryobiology, which explores the behavior of living organisms at extremely low temperatures.

While the possibilities of applying this research to humans remain speculative and distant, the findings could have significant implications for various fields, including agriculture and space exploration.

Historically, bdelloid rotifers join a growing list of revived organisms, including moss, weeds, and nematodes, all of which have been successfully brought back to life after extended periods of freezing.

Future advancements in this area could lead to the development of hardier plants with cryptobiotic properties, potentially transforming agricultural practices and supporting human missions to Mars.