Scientists have found a way to 'tattoo' tardigrades

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This tardigrade is sporting a new "tattoo"—represented in this magnified image by the highlighted dots. Credit: Nano Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c00378 If you haven't heard of a tardigrade before, prepare to be wowed. These clumsy, eight-legged creatures, nicknamed water bears, are about half a millimeter long and can survive practically anything: freezing temperatures, near starvation, high pressure, radiation exposure, outer space and more. Researchers reporting in the journal Nano Letters took advantage of the tardigrade's nearly indestructible nature and gave the critters tiny "tattoos" to test a microfabrication technique to build microscopic, biocompatible devices. "Through this technology, we're not just creating micro-tattoos on tardigrades—we're extending this capability to various ... Read full article.