Tardigrade protein could shield humans from space radiation

Scientists study a DNA shield from tardigrades to see if it can protect astronauts on long space trips.

Tardigrade dsup Protein Could Shield Humans From Space Radiation

Radiation is the biggest hurdle for crewed missions to Mars. Researchers study tardigrades, tiny animals known for surviving extreme conditions. A key focus is Dsup, a protein that coats chromatin and acts as a shield against damage from high energy particles. In the lab, human cells engineered to express Dsup showed about 40 percent less DNA damage from X rays, and some cells kept dividing when unprotected neighbors stalled. In mice, messenger RNA injections coax tissues to make Dsup, suggesting a potential internal defense for cells in high radiation.

The article highlights a growing trend to treat biology as a toolbox for extreme environments. It presents real promise while warning against hype. If Dsup works in living humans, it could supplement shielding and change how we think about long spaceflight. But translating a tardigrade protein to people raises safety questions about DNA repair pathways and cancer risk. Regulators will demand rigorous testing before any human use, and funding or policy shifts could speed or slow progress.

Highlights

Biology is becoming a tool for exploration, not just a curiosity.