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New species of tardigrade reveals secrets of radiation-resisting powers

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2024-10-25 16:30:25

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The new species is similar in appearance to this Hypsibius sp. tardigrade, photographed using an electron microscope. Credit: Robert Schuster/Science Photo Library

A newly described species of tardigrade is giving scientists insights into what makes these tiny eight-legged creatures so resistant to radiation.

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, have long fascinated scientists with their ability to withstand extreme conditions, including radiation at levels nearly 1,000 times higher than the lethal dose for humans. There are around 1,500 known tardigrade species, but only a handful are well-studied.

Now, scientists have sequenced the genome of a species new to science, and revealed some of the molecular mechanisms that give tardigrades their extraordinary resilience. Their study, published in Science on 24 October1, identifies thousands of tardigrade genes that become more active when exposed to radiation. These processes point to a sophisticated defence system that involves protecting DNA from the damage that radiation causes and repairing any breaks that do occur.

The authors hope that their insights could be harnessed to help protect astronauts from radiation during space missions, clean up nuclear pollution or improve cancer treatment.