News Genetics

Tardigrades aren’t champion gene swappers after all

Study dispels claims of extreme DNA borrowing and moves the bizarre creatures on the tree of life 

Ramazzottius varieornatus

EXTREME SURVIVALIST  Genetic analysis of tardigrades like this Ramazzottius varieornatus shown in a scanning electron micrograph are revealing what makes the tough little creatures tick.

K. Arakawa and H. Higashiyama

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

A peek at tardigrades’ genetic diaries may dispel a rumor about an amazing feat the tiny creatures were supposed to perform: borrowing large numbers of genes from other organisms.