Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment that could protect humans from the dangers of space radiation. Researchers, led by Harvard Medical School instructor Ameya Kirtane, found that a protein extracted from tardigrades – tiny creatures known for their incredible survival abilities in extreme conditions – can shield cells from radiation damage.
The protein, called Dsup, was previously identified as helping tardigrades survive in the harshest environments on Earth and even space. The researchers used messenger RNA encoding to deliver the protein into mice, finding that it successfully protected their DNA from radiation-induced damage.
This breakthrough could provide a safer alternative to current radiation treatments, which often come with severe side effects such as mouth sores and rectal bleeding. The protein’s ability to withstand doses 2,000 to 3,000 times higher than humans can tolerate makes it an attractive option for protecting astronauts on long space voyages.
The researchers believe that this protein could also help patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, potentially reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissues. As the team continues to explore its potential applications, they are excited about the possibility of using this tiny protein to shield humans from the dangers of space radiation.
Source: https://futurism.com/neoscope/scientists-astronauts-tardigrade-rna-radiation-damage