tilted Erlenmeyer flask logo, then "casualSTEM"

casualSTEM delivers brief and informative summaries of the latest science news every Saturday. Full of jokes, silly polls, and a cartoon!

Get the weekly email that explains science in sweatpants. Stay smart for free.

line divider
created by Steve Burgess w/ chatGPT 4o

created by Steve Burgess w/ chatGPT 4o

Rad-Bears

We’re one step closer to human-tardigrade hybrids! Researchers identified a gene responsible for their rapid radiation repair.

  • Tardigrades = micro-animals that survive in extreme environments

  • New species = Hypsibius henanensis

  • Radiation exposure triggered gene DODA1 to produce betalains

These betalains neutralize radiation’s effects and were supported by tardigrade-specific protein TRID1 for rapid-recovery. This research will be further expanded to better protect humans from radiation, specifically for space exploration. Orrr we could train Tardigronauts.

Catch-up on science in sweatpants

Reply

Avatar

or to participate