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By William Van Zyl
Podcast of this article. Listen while you read OR just listen:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-5n4bm-1010cab
July 2032
“As all the countries of the world are aware, an asteroid had been detected on radar for some time now. Black rock and ice are hurtling towards earth. We have an emergency!” said the radio host in a nervous tone.
“Would anyone survive the looming destruction?”
Then, there is a sense of optimism in her voice “Yes, something will survive!” said the radio host.
“It is the Tardigrades!” said the astronaut with confidence.
“But what is a Tardigrade? How can it survive an asteroid decimating earth?”
The voice continued, “There is also the threat of a looming nuclear war. In the case of the aftermath of a nuclear war, we also have a solution to clean up the mess as well.
“We have to release Radiotrophic Fungi.”
“I think we have to explain to the listeners what a Tardigrade – or Waterbear – and Radiotropic Fungi are.”
“You’re right. What on earth are Tardigrades and Radiotrophic Fungi? And how can it save us?”
Just after the advertisement, the talk show host informs the listeners: “We are interviewing an astronaut from Canada, John Templeton, on the survival on earth in extreme conditions and disastrous events.
The astronaut then comments with confidence, “Radiotrophic Fungi are fungi that can use radiation as an energy source to stimulate growth. Radiotrophic fungi can be found in extreme environments due to their ability to survive and grow in the presence of radiation. They have been found in the aftermath of a nuclear accident and in outer space. Lately, it had been found at Chernobyl, in the USSR. Years after the nuclear power plant disaster, the fungi were found on the deserted nuclear reactors. There is evidence that the fungi are eating up the radioactive material. Isn’t that amazing?”
“That is an amazing solution!”
“Tardigrades are microscopic eight-legged animals that have been to outer space and would likely survive the apocalypse. They can survive frozen for about 30 years (about -220 degrees Celsius). They can also survive boiling conditions (about 148.9 degrees Celsius). They can also withstand massive amounts of pressure. For example, about 6 x the pressure of the deepest part of the ocean. From a biomimetic perspective (ask nature how), this could just be the solution to survive pending dangers to our world as we know it. Biomimetics is the study of the natural biological world to inform us of possible design solutions to solve our problems on earth — asteroids decimating the earth is one such problem. Nuclear wars are another. Water bears can survive in extreme heat and freezing conditions. Tardigrades look like adorable miniature bears. Around 1,300 species of tardigrades are found worldwide,” said the astronaut.
“So, how can we use this knowledge to survive?” asked the host.
“Under stressed conditions such as extreme dryness or temperature, the waterbear practices several forms of cryptobiosis, a state in which metabolic activity is slowed or halted. The most studied of these is anhydrobiosis. The waterbear enters anhydrobiosis by contracting its body into something called a tun, whereby it loses more than 95% of its free and stored water; essentially, it dehydrates itself. In this state, the waterbear – or Tardigrade – creates different proteins and sugars that help protect its cells. Once these cell protectants are synthesized, the waterbear reduces, and at times suspends, its metabolism. When conditions improve within the environment, the waterbear activates its metabolism once again, aided by hydration from water intake,” said the astronaut.
“We have to use this design model to protect humans against extreme conditions. Right?”
“Yes, you are right. We could investigate how we could dehydrate humans and stimulate cryptobiosis.”
“For nuclear disasters and wars, we could also invest in researching and experimenting with Radiotropic Fungi – like the fungi found at Chernobyl nuclear reactor. It would be a very effective way to clean up the radioactive mess.”
“You imply that we should grow and keep large amounts of the fungi just in case of a nuclear war in labs, and clean up the mess afterwards?”
“You are absolutely right.”
“What great design ideas to attempt to solve future problems for humans!” said the radio host.
∞∞∞
Table of Contents
An Application
Well, as the author, I have a different application for the Tardigrades (classified as extremophiles) and the Radiotrophic Fungi too. It has a spiritual focus. Before I explain, let’s look at some details from a Christian spiritual perspective.
Spiritual Perspective using Tardigrades and Radiotrophic Fungi
When the enemy – the devil – had issued a warrant for your arrest, you have to defend – and attack – like a strong, brave, and courageous warrior! When you are knocked down by the enemy – laying vulnerable on the ground and hearing the final count – you have to dig deep and pluck up the courage to stand up, dust yourself off, square your shoulders, and fight back. You have to do spiritual battle and destroy the forces of darkness by using your mouth. Faith has to rise up in your heart. Just as real as God our Father is and Jesus Christ our Rock are, the demonic forces and Satan is real. Satan intends to harm you, to destroy your future, to take you out by creating extreme situations. The enemy begins ‘boiling and freezing’ conditions. Attacks and exclusions (rejection) by people are such examples. Jesus refers to people who are under the influence and control of Satan:
You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar and the father of lies and half-truths. John 8:44 Amp
Tardigrades
We have to be tough, resilient, and brave. Just like the Tardigrades. Dehydrate, protect your mind and heart by slowing down those negative thoughts and remove it altogether (cryptobiosis). Get rid of all the negative words and negative emotions. Don’t let it define you. Forgive your enemies. If you need to ask for forgiveness of your sin, transgressions or iniquities, do it quickly. It is a process. We don’t always want to forgive. It is a natural response when people have hurt you – we hold on. However, it is a choice. Choose to forgive. Just start saying it! You will rid yourself of bitterness and resentment. You will be free! Fill yourself with the Word of God (anhydrobiosis – creates different proteins and sugars that help protect its cells). Forgiveness will build a ‘tun’ – purging oneself of all bitterness. It can be described as, ‘… whereby it (Tardigrade – and for that matter – the person) loses more than 95% of its free and stored water (bitterness); essentially, it dehydrates itself (cleansed from all negative thoughts).’
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous—Matthew 5: 43 to 45.
Remember the process in the Tardigrade under extreme conditions:
“Under stressed conditions such as extreme dryness or temperature, the waterbear practices several forms of cryptobiosis, a state in which metabolic activity is slowed or halted. The most studied of these is anhydrobiosis. The waterbear enters anhydrobiosis by contracting its body into something called a tun, whereby it loses more than 95% of its free and stored water; essentially, it dehydrates itself. In this state, the waterbear – or Tardigrade – creates different proteins and sugars that help protect its cells. Once these cell protectants are synthesized, the waterbear reduces, and at times suspends, its metabolism. When conditions improve within the environment, the waterbear activates its metabolism once again, aided by hydration from water intake.”
Replace those negative thoughts with positivity:
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
The Creator understands the damaging effects of negative thoughts and bitterness. Don’t hold onto it! Let it go!
Be strong. God said to Joshua:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV.
Radiotrophic Fungi
It is at this junction that I want to refer to the second unique thing that reminded me of the cleanup required after a massive attack on our lives. Let’s use another parallel to investigate this notion: Just like the Radiotrophic Fungi, the Holy Spirit of God and His love, eats away the trauma, the fear, and the allegations of the enemy in our hearts. In fact, the healing of the heart and soul takes place. Full restoration of the mind, heart and soul are executed by the Spirit. He – the Holy Spirit – is our comforter and our councilor (John 14:26).
Psalm 34:18 ESV
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in Spirit.
Psalm 107:20 ESV
He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
God makes us as resilient as Waterbabies – through His Word – and cleans up our problems with His Radiotrophic Fungi – the Holy Spirit. We can receive a full recovery!
Images, sketches and notes.
Radiotrophic Fungi:
From my sketchbook: Radiotrophic Fungi. Watercolours and ink. Wait on the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Counsellor. We have to forgive and pray for our enemies. It will make us resilient – indestructible. Credit: Author.
Radiotrophic Fungi. ‘Cryptococcus neoformans’ stained with light India ink for this specific picture. How it works: This process of using radiation and melanin for energy is called radiosynthesis. Radiosynthesis is thought to be a similar process to the anaerobic pathway that occurs when oxygen is not present. However, it is not known if multi-step processes such as photosynthesis or chemosynthesis are used in radiosynthesis. Credit: Wikipedia.
A Tardigrade. CREDIT: SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/GETTY IMAGES
Read more about Tardigrades at futurism.com:
https://futurism.com/tags/tardigradehttps://futurism.com/tags/tardigradess
A Waterbear. The Tardigrade is magnified 100 x in this image to show some details of this tiny, resilient animal. Be a Waterbaby! The Tardigrade can withstand enormous amounts of pressure. In fact, 6 x the pressure of the deepest place in our oceans. Amazing design! Credit: Flickr / peter.v.b
A Crashed Israeli Lunar Lander Spilled Tardigrades (Water bears) on the Moon
Did you know that the Israelis sent a spacecraft to the moon in 2019? The Beresheet lunar lander carried thousands of books, DNA samples, and a few thousand water bears (Tardigrades) to the moon. BERESHEET means Genesis in Hebrew. But did any of it survive the crash?
The Beresheet – small robotic lunar lander. Israel. SpaceIL (Israel)CREDIT IMAGE: By TaBaZzz – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76804285
SpaceIL logo: By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60412737
More about the Beresheet:
Beresheet was a demonstrator of a small robotic lunar lander. Its aims included promoting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and landing its magnetometer and laser retroreflector on the Moon.
The lander was previously known as Sparrow, and was officially named Beresheet (Hebrew: בְּרֵאשִׁית, “Genesis”) in December 2018. Its net mass was 150 kg (330 lb); when fueled at launch its mass was 585 kg (1,290 lb). Size-wise, it had been compared to a washing machine. It used seven ground stations, globally, for Earth-lander communication. Its Mission Control room is at Israel Aerospace Industries in Yehud, Israel. Credit: Wikipedia.
Listen to the whole story of the Beresheet on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=herd%20of%20animals%20on%20the%20moon
Read more on the Beresheet:
Credit: https://www.kidsnews.com.au/space/thousands-of-the-toughest-creatures-on-earth-have-been-left-on-the-surface-of-the-moon/news-story/dc4a926e617b4282c0a30b3465b9d1ef
EXCELLENT ARTICLE: THE BERESHEET
Read the excellent article on the crash of the Beresheet on the Moon here (Wired.com): https://www.wired.com/story/a-crashed-israeli-lunar-lander-spilled-tardigrades-on-the-moon/
Read more about the author: http://williamvanzyl.com/
Copyright © 2021 William Van Zyl
Tardigrades and Radiotrophic Fungi – death-defiers and demon-destroyers.
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First Publishing, 2021
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