# Discovery of heat-resistant eukaryotic amoeba

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-heat-resistant-eukaryotic-amoeba
> Updated: 2026-09-28T10:06:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Researchers have identified a new species of amoeba, named ‘Incendiamoeba cascadensis’ or the ‘fire amoeba’, in the geothermal springs of Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. This organism sets a new upper temperature limit for eukaryotes, which were previously believed to be unable to reproduce at temperatures exceeding 60°C.

The amoeba can successfully divide at 63°C and remains motile at up to 64°C, though it can survive temperatures as high as 70°C by becoming immobile and forming a protective outer layer. Genetic analysis indicates the species possesses specific genes for DNA stabilization, environmental sensing, and proteostasis. 

In related microbial research, studies have also demonstrated that certain terrestrial microorganisms can grow and produce methane in highly alkaline environments, mimicking the conditions of the subsurface ocean on Saturn’s moon, Enceladus.

## Claims

- Terrestrial microorganisms can grow and produce methane in conditions mimicking the subsurface ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Microbial metabolism can function in environments with a pH as high as 11. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A new species of amoeba, Incendiamoeba cascadensis, can thrive at temperatures up to 63 degrees Celsius. (single source)
- Incendiamoeba cascadensis was discovered in geothermal streams within Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Microbial research reveals extreme survival limits in heat and alkaline environments

New research highlights extreme microbial survival: a newly discovered amoeba thrives at 63°C, while terrestrial microbes are shown to potentially survive in the alkaline oceans of Saturn's moon, Enceladus.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/microbial-research-reveals-extreme-survival-limits-in-heat-and-alkaline-environments

### 2026-09-26: Fire amoeba discovered in California breaks eukaryotic heat limit

Scientists have discovered a new amoeba species, Incendiamoeba cascadensis, that can reproduce at 63°C, breaking the previously assumed 60°C thermal limit for complex eukaryotic life.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fire-amoeba-discovered-in-california-breaks-eukaryotic-heat-limit

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Cite as: Discovery of heat-resistant eukaryotic amoeba. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-heat-resistant-eukaryotic-amoeba