Tenacious hot springs amoeba sets heat-tolerance record

In a tributary off Hot Springs Creek, a thermal stream near Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, scientists have discovered a resilient amoeba capable of surviving extreme temperatures. The newly identified species, Incendiamoeba cascadensis, thrives in temperatures up to 158 F (70 C) and can recover when exposed to even higher heat.

This remarkable heat tolerance makes Incendiamoeba cascadensis the most heat-tolerant eukaryote, surpassing previous records held by red algae and fungi. The amoeba's unique ability to change shape and form a protective layer helps it avoid competition and predators in its high-temperature environment. The discovery of Incendiamoeba cascadensis challenges our understanding of the limits of complex life and expands the search for life in extreme conditions on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the universe.