Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, September 23, 2026 — Researchers supported by NASA have identified a novel class of amoeba, which has been given the nickname ‘fire amoeba.’ The scientific name assigned to this organism is Incendiamoeba cascadensis.

The discovery was made in a hot spring located within Lassen Volcanic National Park, situated in Northern California. This unique microorganism exhibits the remarkable ability to reproduce in water temperatures as high as 145 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 62.8 degrees Celsius).

This capability establishes a new benchmark for the heat tolerance of complex life forms. The findings highlight the extraordinary adaptability of life in extreme environments, potentially offering insights into the conditions under which life might exist on other planets. The specific NASA funding or project that supported this research was not detailed in the provided summary.

Further details regarding the researchers involved, the specific institution affiliations, or the exact timeline of the discovery were not provided. The hot springs of Lassen Volcanic National Park are known for their geothermal activity and unique microbial ecosystems, making them a site of interest for scientific exploration.

The classification of Incendiamoeba cascadensis as a new class of amoeba suggests significant biological distinctions from previously known microorganisms. Further research will likely explore its genetic makeup, metabolic processes, and its place within the broader tree of life, particularly concerning extremophiles.


Story summarized from the original created by Gian Diloy on fox40.com, see more information here.

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