The study of microbiology is an intense effort, which requires students to have great concentration and sometimes a little imagination. When we look at objects under a microscope, they often appear completely different from what we see with the naked eye. It's fascinating, but frustrating, because trying to make associations with one's inherent knowledge becomes a challenge. Hypsibius dujardini is a microscopic animal of the phylum Tardigrada commonly called water bear (Mach, 2011). Seen under a microscope, this eight-legged aquatic animal appears to walk slowly, like a bear that we know at a macroscopic level (Piper, 2007). Despite their cute and cuddly name, water bears, like Hypsibius dujardini, are true extremophiles, surviving in some of the harshest conditions available (Mobjerg, et al., 2011). From temperatures near absolute zero to the vacuum of space, these amazing microorganisms are almost invincible (Mach, 2011). The state that allows a tardigrade to withstand extreme conditions is called cryptobiosis (Gabriel et al., 2007). When the external environment is unfavorable, the tardigrade willingly submits to this inactive metabolic form and is called “ton” (Mobjerg et al., 2011). There are five types of cryptobiosis, all of which respond to a particular environmental deficiency (Wharton, 2002). Anhydrobiosis occurs when there is a lack of water, anoxybiosis occurs when there is little oxygen, chemobiosis is the response to excessive environmental toxins, cryobiosis is the result of decrease in temperature and finally, osmobiosis occurs when an increased concentration of solute occurs in organisms. environment (Wharton, 2002). Although many organisms can enter a paper medium......storage, without destruction, at low temperatures, which allows for future observation. The Goldstein lab at UNC Chapel Hill has certainly proven that Hypsibius dujardini is a useful species in the laboratory. Although reference to tardigrades dates back to Anton van Leeuwenhok, the father of microbiological studies, there is a powerful modern following that continues to exist today (Mach, 2011). Microbiologists around the world are increasingly interested in the water bear and its incredible survival abilities. Beyond that, the appearance of the microorganism captivates people's hearts. I believe that with further research conducted by NASA and other institutions, such as the Goldstein Lab, Hypsibius dujardini can have a lasting impact on our society. Whether by proving evolution or providing tools for the preservation of humanity, we can certainly use these large microorganisms to our advantage..