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This 'fire amoeba' pushes the limit of what's possible for complex life

Sep 22, 2026 · Ari Daniel

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

This 'fire amoeba' pushes the limit of what's possible for complex life
Incendiamoeba cascadensis, which translates to "fire amoeba of the Cascade mountain range." This single-celled organism can replicate at temperatures up to 145°F, a new record for a complex organism.'/>

Scientists have found a species they've named the fire amoeba, which is capable of reproducing at 145°F and continuing to move up to temperatures of 147°F — a record for complex eukaryotic life.

(Image credit: Felix Mikus  )

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