The bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans can withstand exceptionally high levels of radiation thanks to its unique antioxidant defense system. Researchers from Northwestern University and the Uniformed Services University (USU) have developed a novel antioxidant, MDP, composed of manganese, phosphate, and a small peptide. This combination provides robust protection against radiation damage and opens new avenues for studying radioresistance.
While it was previously known that manganese ions and phosphates form a powerful antioxidant, the addition of the peptide proved to be the key breakthrough. Using spectroscopy, scientists determined that in frozen or dried states, the bacterium can endure up to 140,000 grays of radiation—a level unmatched by any other living organism.
These findings have significant practical applications. The new antioxidant could protect astronauts from intense cosmic radiation during long-term space missions and aid in developing radiation shielding technologies for use on Earth.
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