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The surprising reason ‘Conan the Bacterium’ can withstand radiation that could kill a human

CNN
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A type of bacteria called Deinococcus radiodurans can withstand radiation doses 28,000 times greater than those that would kill a human being.

Scientists have uncovered how the antioxidant works, unlocking the possibility that it could be used to protect the health of humans, both on Earth and those exploring beyond it in the future.

The antioxidant is formed by a group of small molecules called metabolites, including manganese, phosphate and a peptide.