For the previous study, the team measured the amount of manganese antioxidants in the cells of the bacteria. The researchers found that the amount of radiation that a microorganism could survive was directly related to its amount of manganese antioxidants. So the more manganese antioxidants present, the more resistance to radiation. This antioxidant has been used in radiation-inactivated polyvalent vaccines, which rely on radiation to shut down pathogens like chlamydia. The study team analyzed how MDP’s active components, including manganese, phosphate and a peptide called DP1, protect cells and proteins from radiation exposure.

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Persons: “, ”, Brian Hoffman, Charles E, Emma H, Morrison, Hoffman, Michaely Daly, Daly, Deinococcus radiodurans, radiodurans, ” Hoffman, Tetyana Milojevic, Tetyana, ” Daly Organizations: CNN, National Academy of Sciences, biosciences, Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, World Records, International Space Station, Uniformed Services University of, Health Sciences, National Academies ’, Planetary, University of Orléans, MDP Locations: Mars, France