Scientists from the United States and Canada say that they have recently discovered that antifreeze proteins, which prevent freezing in cold temperatures, can also be used to prevent melting in high-heat conditions.

Two teams of researchers from Ohio University in the U.S. and Queen’s University in the City of Kingston, Ontario have performed experiments that measure the effects of “superheating” ice crystals placed in solutions of antifreeze proteins. The researchers said that the findings make for numerous possible implications on existing technologies that utilize nanoparticles and superconductor materials.

Interestingly enough, these antifreeze proteins are not synthetic or man-made, but instead come from nature. These substances can be found in life forms such as fish, bacteria, and insects that thrive in extremely cold conditions. These proteins allow the organism to survive by stifling the growth of ice particles in their bodies. It’s hard evidence that Mother Nature has a way of helping life forms adapt in even the harshest of environments.

According to Professor Ido Braslavsky of Ohio University and Yeliz Celik of Queen’s University, this discovery could have profound effects on some industries that play an integral part in our lifestyles today. More testing needs to be done they said, but part of the hard work is done.