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Proteins find in flyspeck , indestructibletardigradescould potentially be a fundamental ingredient in slowing the aging process in humans , scientist claim . However , it will take more work to show these proteins are a veritable natural spring of youth — for now , the researchers have only early hints from lab - dish experiments ..

Also known aswater bears , tardigradesare near - microscopical , eight - legged wight known for their practically superhero - like ability to hold up extreme conditions , includingtolerating a severe lack of piss , live in outer spaceand emerging unharmed frombeing fired from a gun . To survive such conditions , tardigrades transform into desiccated balls and dial their metabolism to near - zero .

A microscopic tardigrade on a black background

Tiny tardigrades are known for their ability to survive extreme conditions.

Now , scientists have come upon that protein found in these diminutive critters can also retard metamorphosis in human mobile phone in lab dishes , according to a study published March 19 in the journalProtein Science .

For the study , research worker focused on a tardigradeproteincalled CAHS D , which transform into a colloidal gel - like eubstance when introduced to human cells .

" astonishingly , when we stick in these proteins into human cells , they gel and slacken down metabolism , just like in tardigrades , " booster cable sketch authorSilvia Sanchez - Martinez , a fourth-year inquiry scientist in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Wyoming , tell in astatement .   " Just like tardigrade , when you put human mobile phone that have these proteins into biostasis , they become more insubordinate to stresses , confer some of the tardigrades ' abilities to the human cells . "

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touch on : We finally jazz how tardigrade match

Biostasis is a country of suspended animation in which organisms can stick out unfavorable environmental changes , such as surviving for long periods without water . The scientist have now prove that the protein that make biostasis possible in tardigrades can have a similar effect on human cells .

Scientists think this fresh finding could finally be harnessed to make lifesaving treatment usable to multitude in locations where refrigeration is unavailable and to meliorate the storage of cell - based therapy .

Digitally generated image of brain filled with multicolored particles.

" Our finding provide an boulevard for pursuing technologies pore on the induction of biostasis in cell and even whole organisms [ such as humans ] to slow ageing and enhance storage and stability , " the researcher pen in the new sketch . The research may even pour forth light on slowing down the aging process .

— fixed tardigrade becomes first ' quantum entangled ' brute in history , investigator claim

— Tardigrades in all probability see in black and white

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— Tardigrades can survive being shot out of a high - stop number gun

astonishingly , the investigator also find that the intact process is two-sided , meaning the cells ' metabolism can reset back to normal after slow .

" When the stress is relieved , the tardigrade gels dissolve , and the human cells return to their normal metabolism , " aged study authorThomas Boothby , an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Wyoming , say in the statement .

an illustration of x chromosomes floating in space

Boothby and his squad have been studying tardigrades extensively in their research laboratory . Last year , they found that tardigrade protein can beused to stabilize a drugused to treathemophilia , a bleed upset .

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