Tardigrades' Genetic Secret and Human Resilience
Tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are incredibly resilient creatures that can survive extreme conditions, including boiling heat, freezing cold, and crushing pressure.
They are the only known animal to survive in outer space and can endure radiation levels up to 2,000 times higher than what human cells can tolerate.
How do they do it?
In 2016, researchers discovered a unique gene in tardigrades that produces a protein found only in these creatures. When introduced into human cells, this protein made them more resistant to radiation.
- Boiling heat
- Freezing cold
- Crushing pressure
- Outer space
- Radiation levels up to 2,000 times higher than human cells
This discovery is inspiring breakthrough therapies for cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Author's summary: Tardigrades' genetic secret boosts human resilience.