Chinese scientists have successfully decoded the genome of tardigrades and revealed the key mechanism that makes the creature resistant to radiation, opening the door to a comprehensive understanding of the ultra-strong radiation tolerance mechanism.
Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are a type of aquatic invertebrate that can survive in extreme environments, including superstrong radiation, high temperature, high pressure, low temperature, dryness, and even the vacuum of outer space.
Their study, published in Science on Friday, can give scientists insights into what makes the tardigrades have such an ability to withstand harsh conditions.
After more than six years of arduous research, Chinese scientists have discovered and successfully established a laboratory culture system for tardigrades, mapped their high-quality genome, and uncovered their key mechanism of tolerance to ultra-strong radiation.
"We've found that the molecules, which play a role in anti-radiation protection for tardigrades, can significantly improve the anti-radiation ability of human cells after being transferred into human cells. This suggests that they have important potential application value and can provide a theoretical basis for the development of defense for human against ultra-strong radiation damage," said Zhang Lingqiang, researcher at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences under the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Sciences.
Chinese scientists decode radiation-resisting powers of tardigrade
Chinese scientists decode radiation-resisting powers of tardigrade
Over 10,000 domestic and international buyers and exhibitors flocked to Chenghai District of Shantou City of Guangdong Province in south China on Friday for the 23rd International Toy Expo, expecting to seize more business opportunities.
Known as "the capital of toys," Chenghai District produces one third of the global plastic toys. Taking the chance of the Toy Expo, over 3,000 international buyers gathered to cooperate with local toy makers, posing to further expand Chenghai's vibrant toy industry, as contracts totaling over 12 billion yuan (about 1.7 billion U.S. dollars) have been signed.
"Overseas clients have diversified requirements for products. So, we roll out 30 to 40 new types of toys every year. Our export has reached around 300 million to 400 million yuan this year, featuring a 35 percent growth," said Xie Yipeng, president assistant of a toy company in Guangdong.
As an economic pillar of the region, Chenghai's toy industry exports to over 120 countries and regions, with total exports amounting to over 6.7 billion yuan (about 950 million U.S. dollars) from January to August this year, at a growth rate of eight percent.
For the future, Chenghai expects to enhance its reputation in toy making, positioning the Toy Expo as a landmark event for China's toy industry, said Wang Jianfeng, executive deputy head of the Chenghai Toy Association.
"(We are to) build (the Toy Expo) into a landmark event for China's toy industry, and expand the influence and prestige of Chenghai toys through this platform, so as to stimulate the vigorous development of toy industry and culture," said Wang.
Global buyers flock to Shantou toy expo
