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| Snow fleas or springtails can thrive in freezing conditions |
Some species of fleas know how to avoid the cold of winter. They secrete an antifreeze substance that prevents their bodies from freezing. Now, scientists say they can extract this antifreeze to preserve human organs at low temperatures, thereby extending the time for transportation and transplantation.
“Organs intended for transplantation must be kept at freezing point or slightly warmer“, stated Laurie Graham from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. “If we can lower the temperature to a level where the organs can be safely stored, then the shelf life will be prolonged“.
Graham’s team has isolated a special protein from this antifreeze. They noted that it could also be developed to enhance frost resistance in plant species or to inhibit crystallization in frozen foods.
Snow fleas, also known as springtails, can jump hundreds of times their body height. Graham has encountered them on snowy slopes during winter.
T. An (according to LiveScience)
