Creation Corner.
Today's Creation Moment: Glass Insects in Space!
Psalm 9:1 "I will praise Thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all Thy marvelous works."
Brine shrimp and water bears are tiny animals
that are able to basically freeze dry into a state of suspended
animation and then return to active life. Scientists have learned that
they do this by replacing the water in their cells with a sugar called
trehalose.
The
larvae of a fly native to Africa makes its living eating organic
material that settles at the bottom of puddles. During periods of
drought, the larvae replace the water in their cells with trehalose. The
sugar acts just like other sugars, solidifying into a glasslike state.
In this state, the sugar acts to stabilize the larvae's tissues. The
larvae can remain in this state for up to 17 years and still come back
to life when water is again available.
Scientists would like to learn more about this
ability. Their hope is to apply such knowledge to preserving blood for
transfusion in a dry form. They may also learn how to preserve organs
for transplant. As part of their research, they have sent dry larvae to
the International Space Station. They want to see if the larvae can be
revived after they have been exposed to space outside the space station.
Not only are the wonders that God has created marvelous, but we can learn from them for our own betterment.
Warmly in the glow of His glory,Ashley
Wow! That's an amazing post! Thanks
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