Live Another Day: African insect survives drought in glassy state

The larvae of an African fly survive severe droughts by essentially turning into candy drops, biologists have shown. The research might lead to new ways of preserving blood for transfusions or even entire organs for transplants.

READY FOR SPACE. Curled up into a 4 millimeter–long mummy, this fly larva can suspend its life for years, withstanding severe drought and extreme temperatures.