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Story summary
- Syracuse University researchers discovered a heat-tolerant eukaryotic amoeba, Incendiamoeba cascadensis, in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- The amoeba reproduced at 145 °F (63 °C) and survived brief 158 °F (70 °C) exposure with a protective layer.
- It dominated its hot-spring habitat, preying on thermophilic bacteria with no known microscopic predators.
- Gene-expression analysis revealed up-regulated DNA-repair and cellular-integrity pathways at 61 °C.
- Related DNA signatures were found in geothermal sites in New Zealand and Yellowstone.