This undated handout photo obtained on July 9, 2026, from Jay Storz shows researcher Marcial Quiroga-Carmona preparing to set traps for Andean leaf-eared mice during an elevational survey of the Aucanquilcha volcano in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. At first glance, it's a perfectly ordinary rodent. Yet the yellow-eared mouse is closer to a marvel of nature: able to live at more than 6,700 meters of altitude in the Andes, this small mammal is shaking up our understanding of physiological limits. Six years after its surprising discovery on some of the highest peaks in the worldplaces where vertebrate life was previously thought impossiblean international team of researchers is beginning to lift the veil on the secrets of this extraordinary animal. (Photo by Handout / Jay Storz / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Jay STORZ / Handout" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS