We tracked the motility of 𝘐. 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 across temp and found it is active up to 64°C (movie here), with most directed motion from 55-64°C🏃‍♀️! It seems to use the vermiform state to travel quickly and the amoebiform state to explore space.

In 2023, we first sampled from a geothermal tributary at LVNP and using enrichment culturing, found an amoeba growing at high temp.

So happy to announce our new preprint, “A geothermal amoeba sets a new upper temperature limit for eukaryotes.” We cultured a novel amoeba from Lassen Volcanic NP (CA, USA) that divides at 63°C (145°F) 🔥 - a new record for euk growth!
#protistsonsky 🧵

In 2023, we first sampled from a geothermal tributary at LVNP and using enrichment culturing, found an amoeba growing at high temp.