Researchers discovered that the “They kill the bacteria“, one of the most resistant bacteria on the planet, can withstand radiation that is 28,000 times stronger than what man could bear.

The organism, scientifically called Deinococcus radioduransgot this nickname because of its exceptional durability. Scientists have long noticed its durability, and now researchers from Northwestern University and the Uniformed Services University (USU) have tried to understand how it withstands radiation. According to Interesting Engineering, they created a new antioxidant, MDP, inspired by the unique capabilities of the bacterium. They discovered that MDP forms a distinct complex of manganese, phosphate, and a small peptide.

This means that Deinococcus radiodurans can withstand up to 140,000 grays (unit of measurement of radiation), an amount 28,000 times greater than what is needed to kill a human.

“This complex acts as an excellent protection against radiationsaid Hoffman, one of the study’s authors.

“We’ve known for a long time that manganese ions and phosphates together make a powerful antioxidant, but understanding how they combine is a major breakthrough“, he added.