Scientists have been studying slow-moving animals for many years to borrow their unique abilities. If we can do this, we can improve the resistance of our food products against diseases and adverse weather conditions. But also potentially opens opportunities for genetic modification of humans themselvesespecially astronauts, who scientists hope will one day fly to other planets and moons and encounter challenges such as cosmic radiation. According to the news reported by Channel 24, citing the research in Science magazine, a step in this direction was taken by Chinese scientists.

Opening details

When researchers from various institutions in China carefully examined the genome of the species called Hypsibius henanensis, discovered six years ago, they found a total of 14,701 genes coding for proteins. Of these, 4,436 genes (or 30.2 percent) are unique to tardigrades, also known as “water bears.”

Among the experiments scientists conducted was exposing living things to radiation to see how this would affect gene expression and protein production.

Studies of various tardigrade species have documented that they are the most radiation-resistant animals on Earth. They resist 3,000-5,000 gray gamma radiation, which is approximately 1,000 times the lethal dose for humans.
– researchers write in their published article.

The team made three important observations:

• A gene called DODA1, which can be transferred from bacteria, produces pigments known as betalains that help neutralize harmful molecules produced by radiation.
• Second, DNA was repaired much faster than normal, thanks to the tardigrade-specific TRID1 protein.
• Finally, they increased the production of BCS1 and NDUFB8, two other proteins that help with energy supply under radiation.

While some of these tricks, such as high-speed DNA repair, were already known, a closer look at Hypsibius henanensis gave us more insight into what exactly was going on.

what’s next

Scientists now want to test other tardigrade species to see whether they all rely on the same mechanism or whether this mechanism is only relevant to Hypsibius henanensis. Currently, scientists know about 1,500 species of tardigrades.

The new study coincides with the conclusion reached about the Hypsibius exemplaris species: When radiation is detected, creatures increase the activity of healing genes. However, it is not known whether the other two factors are activated in these.