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New Heat-Tolerant Amoeba Shatters Eukaryotic Temperature Records

12/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Incendiamoeba cascadensis is a heat-tolerant amoeba discovered in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California.
It grows and divides at temperatures up to 63°C, surpassing the eukaryotic record of 57°C.
Incendiamoeba cascadensis requires temperatures above 42°C to grow, making it an obligate thermophile.
Genetic analyses show similarities with Yellowstone and New Zealand, suggesting it may not be alone.
The discovery challenges beliefs about eukaryotic temperature limits and has implications for extraterrestrial life.

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Story summary

Incendiamoeba cascadensis is a heat-tolerant amoeba discovered in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California.
It grows and divides at temperatures up to 63°C, surpassing the eukaryotic record of 57°C.
Incendiamoeba cascadensis requires temperatures above 42°C to grow, making it an obligate thermophile.
Genetic analyses show similarities with Yellowstone and New Zealand, suggesting it may not be alone.
The discovery challenges beliefs about eukaryotic temperature limits and has implications for extraterrestrial life.