Survival secret of ‘earth’s hardiest animal’ revealed

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Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37384466

Researchers have discovered a genetic survival secret of Earth’s “hardiest animal”
A gene that scientists identified in these strange, aquatic creatures – called tardigrades – helps them survive boiling, freezing and radiation.

In future, it could be used to protect human cells, the researchers say

They found one that they have called “Dsup” (short for “damage suppressor”)

The team then inserted the Dsup gene into human cells’ DNA, and exposed those modified cells to X-rays; Dsup-treated cells suffered far less DNA damage.