Biology Nightmare; Mosquitoes Can Survive In Outer Space
Science education in the field of biology takes an intake of breath. Apart from the significance nuisance mosquitoes can create on earth as a primary source of malaria, it comes as a shock that these creatures can survive the harsh environment of outer space.
A recent Russian experiment saw African mosquitoes live after being strapped unprotected to the outside of the International Space Station. Their ability to suspend animation on Earth during periods of drought also works in space.
Their suspended animation is achieved by converting the water molecules in their body to sugars. This ability survived direct sunlight temperatures of +60 centigrade to -150 centigrade in the shade. And 18 months later living in the vacuum of space they were still alive.
Suddenly the horror movies become a reality. The guys in the space station hope mosquitoes do not evolve to become able to fly into space. Similarly these insects take on a whole new level of respect in biology. They even look like aliens Doctor Who might meet.
