Water bears survive cosmic radiation with one DNA-protecting protein – learning how could boost human resilience, too

By: Tyler J. Woodward, University of Iowa, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 30, 2025

Words: 1,015

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 5 days ago

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By Tyler J. Woodward, University of Iowa

A newly discovered protein from Earth’s toughest animal is inspiring breakthrough therapies for cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Tardigrades, often called water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic creatures that can survive just about anything: boiling heat, freezing cold and crushing pressure. In fact, tardigrades are the only known animal to survive in outer space. They can also endure radiation levels up to 2,000 times …

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