Scientists have discovered microscopic sized “superheroes of nature” He revealed how tardigrades, called tardigrades, can survive lethal levels of radiation. These tiny creatures can survive even high doses of radiation without being affected, especially by dramatically increasing the ability to repair their DNA.
The science behind tardigrades’ radiation resistance revealed
biologist at the University of North Carolina Courtney Clark Hachtel Led research team tested tardigrades in a laboratory environment. to gamma rays exposed them to radiation and examined how these creatures cope with radiation. Here are the detailed findings of the research:
- DNA repair: Researchers discovered that the activity of tardigrades’ DNA repair genes was greatly increased after exposure to radiation. The products of these genes become extremely dominant in the microscopic structures of tardigrades and rapidly repair damage caused by radiation.
- Role of Dsup protein: Researchers identified the presence of the Dsup protein, which protects DNA and is found in some tardigrade species. However, it was determined that this protein did not act as a trigger against radiation in tardigrades of the H. exemplaris species.
- Escherichia coli experiments: By transferring tardigrade repair genes to Escherichia coli bacteria, scientists showed that these bacteria have the ability to repair DNA like tardigrades when exposed to radiation. This revealed that tardigrade genes could transfer radiation resistance to other organisms.
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These findings enabled us to understand the mechanisms underlying tardigrades’ resistance to radiation and opened a path for future scientific research. Additionally, this information including people It may be possible to use it in the development of methods to protect other living things from radiation.
The results of this research are “Current Biology” It aims to start a new discussion in the scientific world by being published in the journal. This extraordinary ability of tardigrades comes from space research. to medical treatments It can inspire a wide range of potential applications.
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