Dose of Awe: Insects who make their own antifreeze

Humans have fire and warm blankets. Bears have cozy dens. But have you ever thought about how insects survive the brutal cold of winter? 

For some insect species, the answer is that they make their own antifreeze!

These insect larvae drain the water from their bodies and replace it with glycerol, a natural antifreeze that protects their cells while they wait in a suspended state until spring.

So while you’re busy clearing snow off of your car, below the surface these tiny creatures are performing incredible acts of survival, perfectly timed to re-emerge when the world warms again.