The Bacterium That Survives Pure Radiation

Known as the world's most radiation-resistant lifeform, this bacterium can withstand radiation doses three thousand times higher than what would kill a human. It survives by constantly stitching its shattered DNA back together.

This microscopic survivor is truly the toughest organism on our planet. While most life forms perish when their DNA is shredded by gamma rays, this microbe keeps a backup copy of its genome and uses special proteins to repair the damage in hours. It does not just live in radiation, but also survives the vacuum of space, extreme dehydration, and freezing temperatures. Scientists are currently studying its incredible repair kit to see if it can help us solve complex human medical challenges.