Chinese scientists have made significant strides in understanding the remarkable radiation resistance of tardigrades, also known as water bears, potentially paving the way for enhanced human protection against similar environmental stresses. A study published in Science outlines how these tiny invertebrates thrive in extreme conditions, including intense radiation, temperature fluctuations, dryness, high pressure, and even the vacuum of space.
In 2018, researchers collected tardigrades from Henan Province in central China, leading to the discovery of a new species named Hypsibius henanensis. The team analyzed the genome of this newly identified species and pinpointed three critical mechanisms that contribute to its resilience against radiation: “horizontal gene transfer” from various organisms such as plants, fungi, and bacteria; a specialized “radiation-induced protein” that aids in DNA repair; and “general stress-related proteins” that facilitate DNA recovery.
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The findings suggest potential applications in bolstering human cell resilience against radiation exposure. Zhang Lingqiang, a researcher from the Academy of Military Medical Sciences, stated, “We’ve found that the molecules, which offer anti-radiation protection for tardigrades, can significantly improve the anti-radiation ability of human cells after being transferred into human cells.”
Zhang emphasized the significant potential of these discoveries, stating that they could serve as a theoretical foundation for developing protections against ultra-strong radiation. This research not only sheds light on the unique survival strategies of tardigrades but also opens new avenues for protecting humans in high-radiation environments.
