Extremophiles Collection

Water bear, light micrograph C016 / 8581
Water bear, differential interference contrast (DIC) light micrograph. Water bears, or tardigrades, (phylum Tardigrada) are small, water-dwelling

Water bear, SEM C016 / 9084
Water bear (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing the underside of a water bear, or tardigrade (phylum Tardigrada)

Water bear, SEM C016 / 9085
Water bear (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing the underside of a water bear, or tardigrade (phylum Tardigrada)

Tabellaria diatoms, SEM C016 / 9599
Tabellaria diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Tabellaria sp. diatom colony. Diatoms are a group of photosynthetic, single-celled algae containing about 10, 000 species

Water bear, SEM C016 / 9083
Water bear (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a water bear, or tardigrade (phylum Tardigrada)

Tabellaria diatoms, SEM C016 / 9600
Tabellaria diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Tabellaria sp. diatom colony. Diatoms are a group of photosynthetic, single-celled algae containing about 10, 000 species

Water bear, SEM C016 / 9086
Water bear (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a water bear, or tardigrade (phylum Tardigrada)

Water bear, SEM C016 / 9082
Water bear (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a water bear, or tardigrade (phylum Tardigrada)

Tabellaria diatoms, SEM C016 / 9601
Tabellaria diatoms. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Tabellaria sp. diatom colony. Diatoms are a group of photosynthetic, single-celled algae containing about 10, 000 species

Water bear, SEM C016 / 9087
Water bear (Echiniscus granulatus). Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a water bear, or tardigrade (phylum Tardigrada)

Astrobiology researcher Dr Lynn J. Rothschild sampling microbial mats in a lake. These bacteria can survive conditions of high salinity, extreme temperatures and drought

Morning Glory Pool, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA. This geothermal pool is warmed by the volcanic activity beneath it

Lechuguilla Cave Crystals
MODEL RELEASED. Giant crystal formations of selenite hang in the crystal chamber of lechuguilla cave in New Mexico, USA. The caves have been found to be partly formed by the activities of

Cold-loving extremophile bacteria, SEM
Cold-loving extremophile bacteria. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Rhodoglobus vestalii. This psychrophilic (cold-loving) bacteria was retrieved from a lake in Antarctica

Geobacter metallireducens bacterium, TEM
Geobacter metallireducens bacterium, coloured transmission electron micrograph. This anaerobic bacteriaoxidises organic compounds to form carbon dioxide

Geobacter metallireducens bacteria, TEM
Geobacter metallireducens bacterium, coloured transmission electron micrograph. This anaerobic bacteriaoxidises organic compounds to form carbon dioxide

Radiation resistant bacteria, SEM
Radiation resistant bacteria. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of four Deinococcus radiodurans bacteria forming a tetrad

Archaeoglobus bacteria
Thermophilic bacteria. False colour light micrograph of the thermophilic bacteria Archaeoglobus fulgidus. This organism occurs in hot sediments near submarine hydrothermal vents

Ultra-small extremophile bacteria, SEM
Ultra-small extremophile bacteria. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Chryseobacterium greenlandensis. This bacteria was retrieved from a 120

Nitrobacter sp bacteria, TEM

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"Exploring the Extraordinary World of Extremophiles: Survivors in Extreme Conditions" In a world where life seems impossible, there exist remarkable organisms known as extremophiles. Meet the water bear, an extraordinary creature capable of withstanding extreme conditions that would be fatal to most other living beings. Captured under a light micrograph and scanning electron microscope (SEM), these images reveal the astonishing resilience of these tiny creatures. Microbiologist Dr. Elena V. Pikuta and astrobiologist Richard Hoover have dedicated their research to studying extremophiles, cultivating them in controlled environments for further examination. Their work sheds light on how these unique organisms adapt and thrive in some of Earth's harshest habitats. The SEM images showcase the water bear's incredible ability to survive even in desolate landscapes such as hot springs or frozen tundras. With its barrel-shaped body and eight legs equipped with claws, it navigates through treacherous terrains effortlessly. But water bears are not alone in this battle for survival; they share their extreme habitats with tabellaria diatoms - another group of resilient organisms captured beautifully under SEM imaging. These diatoms form intricate patterns resembling delicate artwork, showcasing nature's creativity even amidst adversity. Astrobiology researchers like Dr. Pikuta and Mr. Hoover explore extremophiles not only for their fascinating adaptations but also because they provide valuable insights into potential life forms beyond our planet. By understanding how life can persist against all odds on Earth, we gain crucial knowledge that could aid us in searching for extraterrestrial life elsewhere in the universe. As we delve deeper into the microscopic world inhabited by extremophiles, we realize that life is far more adaptable than we ever imagined possible. These captivating images serve as a reminder that no matter how harsh or inhospitable an environment may seem, there might still be hidden wonders waiting to be discovered – thanks to the tenacity of extremophiles.