Due to exposure to extreme dehydration and radiation, the bacteria managed, through evolution, to rebuild a broken DNA into a new DNA series. This mechanism enables a clinically dead bacteria to return to life.
Radman and his associates Ksenija Zahradka, Dea Slade and Mirjana Petranovic, from the Rudjer Boskovic Institute in Zagreb, discovered the mechanism whereby the bacteria rebuilds a unique DNA from fragments.
The bacteria has a double genome which facilitates copying of information and reformation of a DNA series with the same structure.
The bacteria and its capabilities were discovered 50 years ago. It can withstand radiation 5,000 times stronger than those fatal for man.
Radman said the bacteria could serve to "sow life" on distant planets. He added that some scientists maintained that life on Earth was born in a similar way given that this bacteria can survive a journey to the far reaches of space under extreme conditions.
We can expect the birth of a new branch -- regenerative medicine, he said.
Attending the presentation were representatives of universities, scientists, city, county and state officials, including Prime Minister Ivo Sanader and Science Minister Dragan Primorac.