New Synthetic Antioxidant Inspired by ‘Conan the Bacterium’ Could Shield Humans from Radiation

Researchers have developed a synthetic antioxidant inspired by Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacterium nicknamed “Conan the Bacterium” for its ability to survive extreme radiation levels. This lab-made compound, called manganese-dependent peptide (MDP), combines manganese ions, phosphate ions, and a peptide from D. radiodurans to neutralise harmful radiation effects. It …Researchers have developed a synthetic antioxidant inspired by Deinococcus radiodurans, a bacterium nicknamed “Conan the Bacterium” for its ability to survive extreme radiation levels. This lab-made compound, called manganese-dependent peptide (MDP), combines manganese ions, phosphate ions, and a peptide from D. radiodurans to neutralise harmful radiation effects. It …