Previously, it was believed that a multi-cellular organism could only survive in a non-metabolic state of suspended animation known as cryptobiosis for a few decades.
Some of these molecules can allow cells to survive being completely dried out and allow an organism to enter a state of suspended animation called cryptobiosis.
When tardigrades (water bears) dry out, the glucose in their bodies changes to trehalose when they enter a state called cryptobiosis -- a state wherein they appear dead.
When they're frozen, the creatures enter a state called cryptobiosis, in which their metabolic processes shut down, and they show no visible signs of life.
