Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Scientist recently succeeded in uncovering the secret of invulnerability tardigradea small but notoriously tough creature, which can withstand extreme radiation, vacuum, and extremely high pressure. Read the explanation.
Tardigrades are very small animals, measuring only 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) in length. It got the nickname ‘water bear’ because it looks fat and like a bear when seen through a microscope.
Researchers from various institutions in China studied the genome of this water bear species, which has a Latin name Hypsibius Henanensis which was discovered six years ago. From this research, 14,701 genes that code for proteins were identified, of which 4,436 genes (30.2 percent) were unique and only found in tardigrades.
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In further experiments, these water bears were placed under radiation exposure to see how gene expression and protein production reacted. Researchers are trying to understand the specific biological mechanisms that allow these creatures to survive radiation.
“Studies on several tardigrade species have documented that they are the most radiation-tolerant animals on Earth,” the researchers explained in their report, reported Science AlertTuesday (5/11).
From the experimental results, they were able to survive exposure to gamma radiation from 3,000 to 5,000 gray (Gy). This result is about 1,000 times higher than the lethal dose for humans.
“The tardigrade’s ability to survive in the harshest conditions continues to reshape our concept of the limits of animal life on Earth,” the researchers added.
There are three main findings from this research. The first is a gene called DODA1 which is thought to come from bacteria. This gene produces betalain pigment which helps neutralize dangerous molecules formed due to radiation.
Second, a specific water bear protein called TRID1 which speeds up the DNA repair process. Third, there is an increase in the production of two other proteins, BCS1 and NDUFB8 which play a role in providing cell energy.
Although some of these mechanisms are known, such as rapid DNA repair, in-depth analysis of H. henanensis provides more detailed insight into how water bear biology works in the face of radiation exposure.
The combination of these three processes forms a natural protection that helps water bears survive the effects of radiation. The next step is to examine whether this mechanism is also found in other water bear species.
This study is also relevant for humans. By understanding how tardigrades can survive in extreme environments, humans can develop ways to protect the human body, for example during long-term space travel.
Tardigrades are thought to have first appeared before the Cambrian period, namely around 541 million years ago. They managed to survive until now.
According to scientists, to survive that long, these creatures must have many tricks to stay alive.
“The tardigrade’s ability to survive in the harshest conditions continues to reshape our concept of the limits of animal life on Earth,” the researchers wrote.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
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[Gambas:Video CNN]
The Invincible Tardigrade: Earth’s Smallest Tough Guy
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – Hold onto your hats, folks! Scientists have cracked the code on the secret life of tardigrades – our pint-sized, eight-legged buddies that can survive anything from being blasted in space to strutting around in boiling water. If you thought your gym buddy was tough, wait until you meet these “water bears.” Measuring just 0.04 inches (a millimeter for you metric aficionados), these tiny titans roll with the punches, or in their case, with gamma radiation that would make Bruce Banner blush.
Now, researchers from various Chinese institutions dived deep into the genomes of these hardy critters. They stumbled upon a whopping 14,701 genes that code for proteins, and let’s just say, about 30.2% of these genes are the tad’s own little pearls of wisdom, unique to their species (Hypsibius Henanensis). Discovered only six years ago, it seems like tardigrades were just waiting for their moment in the spotlight, like that friend who always knows the right meme for every occasion.
When subjected to radiation levels between 3,000 and 5,000 gray (which, for reference, is around 1,000 times higher than your average human’s lethal dose), these tiny machines simply shrugged it off. “Oh, gamma radiation? So last year,” they probably thought as they sipped their tiny, microscopic lattes. As the researchers put it, “Studies have documented that they are the most radiation-tolerant animals on Earth.” Who knew that on the animal Kingdom’s dance floor, tardigrades are busting out the worm while others are barely making it through the cha-cha?
Now, let’s dish out the juicy bits from their findings. First up, there’s a gene dubbed DODA1, rumored to have moonlighted from bacteria. This little dynamo produces a pigment that neutralizes the nasty side effects of radiation like a bouncer at a club. Then we’ve got TRID1, a protein that speeds up DNA repair. Think of it as the intern who fixes the coffee machine before it sets off a fire alarm. And lastly, there’s a dynamic duo in the form of BCS1 and NDUFB8, cranking out cellular energy like a barista on a Monday morning. These mechanisms are putting the “feel good” into the “feel life!”
Tardigrades embody the sheer audacity of life. They’ve been strutting their stuff since before the Cambrian period, surviving the trials and tribulations of this world for a staggering 541 million years! Now there’s some evolutionary street cred. It’s like they’ve taken a masterclass in resilience while the rest of us are still figuring out how to survive a Monday. And let’s be honest, we could all stand to learn a thing or two from these fierce little fighters.
But here’s where it gets even juicier! What’s the takeaway for us humans? Well, if we can unlock the secrets of these little water bears, maybe – just maybe – we can figure out a way to protect ourselves. Particularly useful for those long-haul space flights; imagine leaping through the cosmos, radiation swirling around you, just like the latest sci-fi blockbuster. “Houston, we have a solution!”
Your average tardigrade, with its slow-moving, seemingly lazy demeanor, is a metaphor for how the universe can throw its worst at you while you just keep on plodding along. As the researchers adamantly stated, “Their ability to survive in the harshest conditions continues to reshape our concepts of the limits of animal life on Earth.” So, the next time you feel invincible after solving a crossword, just remember: there are tiny bears out there managing life infinitely better than we are.
So let’s raise a glass, or a drop of water, to the unsung hero of the animal kingdom – the tardigrade. In a world where worries are as numerous as cat videos on the internet, these little champions remind us that sometimes the best punchlines come from the tiniest packages. Keep surviving, you little water bears! We salute you!
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Scientists have made remarkable progress in unveiling the extraordinary resilience of the tardigrade, a minuscule creature renowned for its remarkable endurance against extreme radiation, vacuum conditions, and intense pressure. This discovery sheds light on the biological mechanisms underpinning their survival strategy.
Tardigrades, diminutive organisms measuring just 0.04 inches (1 millimeter) long, have earned the endearing moniker ‘water bear’ due to their stout appearance reminiscent of a bear when viewed under a microscope.
In an extensive study, researchers from multiple Chinese institutions investigated the genome of a specific tardigrade species, identified as Hypsibius henanensis, which has been under observation since its discovery six years ago. This enlightening research yielded the identification of 14,701 genes responsible for coding proteins, with a noteworthy 4,436 genes (30.2 percent) found uniquely within tardigrades.
In their experimental procedures, the researchers subjected these resilient water bears to radiation to analyze their gene expression and protein production responses. They aim to unearth the precise biological processes that empower these organisms to withstand severe radiation exposure.
“Numerous studies targeting various tardigrade species have confirmed their status as the most radiation-tolerant animals on the planet,” the researchers detailed in their report, as highlighted by Science Alert on Tuesday (5/11).
Through rigorous experimentation, these water bears exhibited a remarkable tolerance to gamma radiation exposure, enduring between 3,000 and 5,000 gray (Gy), a shocking figure that surpasses the lethal dose for humans by approximately 1,000 times.
Among the critical findings of this investigation is the identification of a gene named DODA1, which appears to have originated from bacteria. This gene facilitates the production of betalain pigment, known for its capacity to neutralize harmful molecules generated by radiation.
Additionally, a designated tardigrade protein known as TRID1 enhances the DNA repair process, while two other proteins, BCS1 and NDUFB8, are produced in greater quantities, contributing to cellular energy supply.
Though some of these survival mechanisms, like rapid DNA repair, were previously understood, a detailed exploration of H. henanensis offers invaluable insights into the biology of water bears under the influence of radiation.
This remarkable combination of processes forms a sophisticated natural defense system, which equips the tardigrade to withstand radiation’s detrimental effects. The next phase of research will investigate whether similar mechanisms are present in other tardigrade species.
The implications of this study extend to humanity as well. By deciphering how tardigrades thrive in extreme environments, scientists can develop potential strategies to safeguard the human body, particularly during protracted space exploration missions.
Tardigrades are believed to have first emerged prior to the Cambrian period, dating back around 541 million years. Their incredible adaptability has allowed them to persist through countless geological epochs.
Researchers assert that to endure for such an extended period, these remarkable creatures must possess a myriad of survival strategies.
“The tardigrade’s ability to survive in the harshest conditions continues to reshape our concept of the limits of animal life on Earth,” the researchers concluded.
[Gambas:Video CNN]
(wnu/dmi)
Is believed to have originated from bacteria. This gene is responsible for producing betalain pigments, which play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals generated due to radiation exposure. Additionally, the research identified a protein known as TRID1, which functions to accelerate the DNA repair process, allowing the creatures to quickly address damage incurred from radiation. Furthermore, it was noted that there was an increased production of two proteins, BCS1 and NDUFB8, which are integral to cellular energy production.
While some of these protective mechanisms, such as the accelerated DNA repair, are already understood, the comprehensive study of *Hypsibius henanensis* offers deeper insights into the biology of tardigrades and their remarkable adaptations to survive radiation and other extreme conditions. The researchers expressed interest in determining whether similar survival mechanisms are present in other species of water bears as well.
This study also holds promising implications for human applications. By uncovering the biological strategies that enable tardigrades to thrive in hostile environments, researchers might develop methods to offer protection to the human body. This could be especially beneficial in scenarios like long-duration space travel, where exposure to high levels of radiation poses a significant risk.
Tardigrades are estimated to have emerged well before the Cambrian period, approximately 541 million years ago, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to endure through a myriad of environmental challenges over millions of years. The researchers emphasized that the inimitable survival skills of tardigrades have the potential to reshape our understanding of life’s limits on Earth.
the resilience of tardigrades, underscored by their impressive defensive mechanisms, not only highlights the marvels of evolution but also inspires humanity to learn from these tiny warriors in our quest for survival in an ever-challenging universe.
