How a tiny mouse survives where almost nothing else can

NPR | By Gabriel J. Sánchez,

Christopher Intagliata, Janaya Williams

Published July 17, 2026 at 3:57 PM EDT

Scientists once thought no mammals could survive at this altitude. But a tiny mouse living almost 22,000 feet up in the Andes is proving them wrong and offering clues about life in extreme conditions.

Gabriel J. Sánchez

Gabriel J. Sánchez is a producer for NPR's All Things Considered. Sánchez identifies stories, books guests, and produces what you hear on air. Sánchez also directs All Things Considered on Saturdays and Sundays.

Christopher Intagliata

Christopher Intagliata is an editor at All Things Considered, where he writes news and edits interviews with politicians, musicians, restaurant owners, scientists and many of the other voices heard on the air.

See stories by Christopher Intagliata

Janaya Williams

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