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Tardigrades Exhibit Unprecedented DNA Repair Response to Radiation

Recent studies reveal tardigrades' unique ability to rapidly repair radiation-induced DNA damage, challenging previous understanding of their resilience.

Stock image of a tardigrade. These microscopic animals can withstand immense levels of radiation.
Tardigrades were first discovered in the Eighteenth Century and are known to survive in some of Earth’s most inhospitable environments.
Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a water bear, or tardigrade
Image

Overview

  • Researchers discover that tardigrades can survive intense radiation by rapidly upregulating DNA repair genes.
  • Tardigrade species Hypsibius exemplaris shows significant DNA repair within 24 hours of radiation exposure.
  • Studies suggest tardigrades' radiation response could lead to new protective strategies for other organisms.
  • The discovery includes a potential new protein, TRD1, that may protect DNA from radiation damage.
  • Scientific findings underscore tardigrades' status as one of the most resilient organisms on Earth.