Chinese scientists have successfully decoded the genome of tardigrades and revealed the key mechanism that makes the creature resistant to radiation, opening the door to a comprehensive understanding of the ultra-strong radiation tolerance mechanism.
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are a type of aquatic invertebrate that can survive in extreme environments, including superstrong radiation, high temperature, high pressure, low temperature, dryness, and even the vacuum of outer space.
Their study, published in Science on Friday, can give scientists insights into what makes the tardigrades have such an ability to withstand harsh conditions.
After more than six years of arduous research, Chinese scientists have discovered and successfully established a laboratory culture system for tardigrades, mapped their high-quality genome, and uncovered their key mechanism of tolerance to ultra-strong radiation.
"We've found that the molecules, which play a role in anti-radiation protection for tardigrades, can significantly improve the anti-radiation ability of human cells after being transferred into human cells. This suggests that they have important potential application value and can provide a theoretical basis for the development of defense for human against ultra-strong radiation damage," said Zhang Lingqiang, researcher at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences under the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Sciences.
Chinese scientists decode radiation-resisting powers of tardigrade
Chinese scientists decode radiation-resisting powers of tardigrade
