 Thermophiles are organisms that live in hot temperatures, hotter than what would be considered comfortable for humans. Thermophiles are the only organisms that can survive in the temperatures in hot springs, such as this one. The suite of organisms that live in environments not hospitable to humans are called extremophiles. Those that live in cold temperatures are called psychrophiles. Thermophiles love temperatures about 122 degrees Fahrenheit and some have been found to live in temperatures above the boiling point of water. Usually enzymes denature at high temperatures. Most thermophiles are microbial, but some multicellular species live in these high temperatures. A common non-bacterial thermophile is blue-green algae, which you will see growing on surfaces of hot springs. The various colors viewed in hot springs are either mineral accumulations or thermophiles with some photosynthetic properties. Since discovery, thermophiles have become extremely important for medical and biotechnology. Their unique enzymes make them irreplaceable in high-temperature reactions like copying DNA. These properties have also advanced the food, clothing, and fiber industries to name a few. Although human plants and wildlife are not considered thermophiles, we all enjoy the warm temperatures of hot springs. From the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Mae Smith, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.