Latest news with #ChinaSpaceStationHabitationAreaMicrobiomeProgramme
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Unknown Species of Bacteria Discovered in China's Space Station
Swabs from China's Tiangong space station reveal traces of a bacterium unseen on Earth, with characteristics that may help it function under stressful environmental conditions hundreds of kilometers above the planet's surface. Naming their discovery after the station, researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering say the study of Niallia tiangongensis and similar species could be "essential" in protecting astronaut health and spacecraft functionality over long missions. The swabs were taken from a cabin on board the space station in May 2023 by the Shenzhou-15 crew as part of one of two surveys by the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Programme. Follow-up studies have traced the growth of microbes that inhabit the space station environment, revealing a microbiome that differs in both composition and function from the one found on the International Space Station. The new species appears to be a close cousin to a known strain called Niallia circulans – a rod-shaped, soil-dwelling bacterium that just a few years ago was reallocated to a new genus classification, having previously been regarded as a pathogenic form of Bacillus. Like species of Bacillus, N. circulans and its space-faring relatives pack their essential chemistry into hardy spores to survive times of great stress. It's not clear whether N. tiangongensis evolved on the station or arrived in spore form with at least a few of its distinguishing features in place. According to the recently published analysis on its genes and functions, the new species has a unique ability to break down gelatin as a source of nitrogen and carbon, a knack that comes in handy when it needs to construct a protective coat of biofilm to bunker beneath when conditions get a little rough. On the other hand, it seems to have lost the ability to utilize other energy-packed substances its cousins happily chow down on. Not only does this reveal Niallia can be a diverse bunch of microorganisms, it demonstrates how readily some varieties of bacterium can make themselves right at home in our orbiting habitats. There's also not a great deal we can do about it. An examination of the 'clean rooms' NASA used to prepare the Mars Phoenix mission revealed dozens of microbe strains belonging to 26 novel species. A recent study of these novel bacteria found their amazing ability to survive conditions we would assume to make the environment sterile came down to genes linked to DNA repair and resistance to levels of substances other microbes would find toxic. Knowing thy enemy is clearly a significant step towards dealing with them. If we can't prevent their existence or their ability to adapt, it is vital we can predict how microbes will adjust to living in space. It's yet to be determined whether Niallia tiangongensis poses any threat to the health of Tiangong's astronauts, but given its cousin's ability to cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients and its newfound ability to break down gelatin, the potential for health problems from this and other space microbes is a serious issue. With eyes on launching missions to the Moon and beyond, it's never been more important to know how the tiny passengers sharing our space may be suited to a life far from home. This research was published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. NASA Mission Captures Eerie New View of The Moon And Sun Mysteriously Perfect Sphere Spotted in Space by Astronomers The Most Violent Solar Storm Ever Detected Hit Earth in 12350 BCE
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
China finds alien-like microbes with super survival skills at Tiangong space station
Image: iStock In a discovery that sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie, Chinese scientists have identified a previously unknown bacterial strain aboard the Tiangong Space Station . Named Niallia tiangongensis, the microbe was isolated during the Shenzhou-15 mission in May 2023 and appears to thrive in conditions most life forms would find unbearable. This microbe's ability to endure extreme space stressors has amazed researchers and may hold the key to better understanding life in space. The findings raise intriguing questions about microbial resilience and offer potential applications ranging from astronaut health to waste recycling on Earth. How the microbe survives where others fail Life in space is no picnic. With constant radiation, microgravity, and oxidative stress, even the hardiest Earth microbes struggle to stay functional. Not so for Niallia tiangongensis. Scientists observed that this space-dwelling bacterium has heightened defenses against oxidative damage, allowing it to repair cellular harm more efficiently. This resilience suggests it has evolved or adapted mechanisms that could inform future medical and biological technologies aimed at protecting astronauts during prolonged exposure to space conditions. A microbial first for the Chinese space station Niallia tiangongensis marks the first unique microbial discovery from within China's Tiangong Space Station. Found inside a crew cabin, this bacterial strain adds to a growing body of knowledge about how microorganisms behave in closed, artificial environments like spacecraft. Its detection is part of the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Programme (Champ), which monitors microbial life to ensure crew safety and support long-term missions. What it means for astronaut health and spacecraft safety While microbes in space might sound like harmless hitchhikers, they can pose real risks to both astronaut health and equipment. Bacteria can affect air quality, degrade spacecraft materials, and contaminate sensitive systems. By understanding how Niallia tiangongensis behaves and survives in space, scientists can better anticipate microbial threats, develop sterilization techniques, and design improved environmental controls for future missions. This could be crucial for long-duration flights, such as missions to Mars or lunar bases. A microscopic tool for planetary problems Beyond its implications for spaceflight, Niallia tiangongensis may offer valuable tools for life on Earth. The bacterium has shown potential for breaking down organic compounds, making it a candidate for sustainable waste recycling. These traits could be harnessed in agriculture, medicine, or industrial applications where controlling or utilizing microbial activity is essential. What began as a routine check on microbial levels aboard a space station might ultimately lead to more efficient, eco-friendly solutions here on Earth. A floating lab with far-reaching potential Tiangong continues to act as more than just a space habitat; it is now proving to be a cutting-edge laboratory for exploring biology beyond Earth. Microbes like Niallia tiangongensis demonstrate the untapped potential of space environments to inspire innovations in biotechnology, sustainability, and health. As research progresses, the knowledge gained from these tiny astronauts could have an outsized impact on how we explore space and care for our planet.
