Tardigrades Could (Maybe) Survive a Nuclear Attack. And Now We Know How.

[Judi Lynn]

By Mindy Weisberger - Senior Writer 11 hours ago Animals

The protective protein binds to cell structures that contain DNA.


Scientists recently deciphered a key ingredient in tardigrades' arsenal of superpowers, unraveling how a unique protein protects everyone's favorite microscopic water bears from harmful radiation.

Though tiny, tardigrades are notoriously tough. They can weather extreme conditions that would kill most forms of life, including exposure to freezing cold, broiling heat, and the vacuum and lethal radiation of space.

But what are the chemical secrets that lend tardigrades their near-invulnerability? To answer that question, researchers peered closely at a compound found only in tardigrades: the so-called damage-suppressor protein, or Dsup.

This protein's protective powers were previously found to extend beyond tardigrades; when added to human cells, Dsup safeguards against damage from X-rays. And now, scientists have discovered how Dsup binds to chromosome structures and protects DNA from the harmful effects of radiation, the researchers reported in a new study.

More:
https://www.livescience.com/tardigrade-protein-radiation-protection.html

[BootinUp]

1. Fascinating. Nt

[Tanuki]

2. You can get a squishy stress tardigrade at Archie McPhee

https://mcphee.com/collections/new/products/stress-tardigrade

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