When cells and viruses are cooled, their membranes often change suddenly - similar to the way water molecules reorganize during freezing - and this can rupture the membrane and kill the cell.

Szostak's experiments show that cell walls are hardiest at near freezing temperatures.

Because the ground is always frozen, there is little indoor plumbing and most bathrooms are outhouses and cell phones and car engines are constantly in peril of freezing over.