Latest news with #Niallia
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Scientists discover an unknown bacteria that has never been seen on Earth inside China's space station
The search for life in space has led astronomers to look everywhere from the surface of Mars to the atmospheres of the most distant exoplanets. Now, scientists have discovered unknown bacteria that have never been seen on Earth - living inside a cabin on China 's Tiangong space station. The bacteria, named Niallia tiangongensis after the station, are a relative of a soil-dwelling bacterium from Earth. However, the researchers found that this unique bacteria has evolved special adaptations that help it survive in space. This includes specialized genes which help repair damage caused by the intense radiation found beyond Earth's atmosphere. Most surprisingly, the scientists found that the bacteria have evolved the ability to eat gelatin in order to create a tough protective 'biofilm'. While its closest relative on Earth is known to cause sepsis, it has not yet been determined whether Niallia tiangongensis poses a threat to humans. The researchers say that understanding the abilities of new space-faring bacteria is 'essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts'. The new species was found in samples taken from the station in 2023 by members of the Shenzhou-15 mission. The crew swabbed the walls of the station with sterile tissues, which were then frozen and sent back to Earth for analysis. When scientists analyzed these samples, they found a type of bacteria which was similar to the common soil-dwelling species Niallia circulans. Niallia circulans is a rod-shaped bacteria which spreads itself by dispersing spores and is commonly found in the ground, sewage, and in food. In immunocompromised patients, Niallia circulans can cause sepsis - a life-threatening condition caused by the body reacting improperly to a bacterial infection. Just like its earthly cousin, Niallia tiangongensis also propagates by spreading spores, which can survive extreme conditions. Niallia tiangongensis likely started as a small colony of Niallia circulans bacteria or spores, which slowly adapted to their new life in space after being taken onto the station. These adaptations help the bacteria survive in the nutrient-scarce space-station interior and resist the stresses of space. However, this is not the first time that humans have accidentally created new bacterial species by taking them into space. In April last year, NASA discovered 13 new strains of drug-resistant bacteria living on the International Space Station inside the air vents, exercise equipment, and toilets. Just like Niallia tiangongensis, the scientists believe these bacteria started out as species from Earth, which evolved over time after hitching a ride into space. Space agencies go to great lengths not to contaminate the controlled environments of space stations or other planets. But, as NASA is beginning to discover, it is almost impossible to prevent bacteria from getting a foothold in even the most sterile environment. NASA recently discovered that the 'clean rooms' used to prep the Phoenix Mars Lander were home to 53 strains of bacteria, including 26 previously unknown species. Bacteria are so ludicrously tough that the space agency has even launched a mission to swab the outside of the ISS to see if any germs might be surviving in the harsh vacuum of space. This is a pressing issue for the Chinese Space Agency and NASA since both organizations are currently attempting to establish permanent bases on the moon. Within the cramped confines of a remote space station, infections can spread rapidly between crew members. If novel, antibiotic-resistant bacteria develop inside the station, this could sweep through the crew and cause serious health risks. The overly sterile environment of a space station actually makes this risk worse by allowing a handful of hardy bacteria to thrive uninhibited. NASA recently found that an increase in rashes and cold sores experienced by astronauts on the ISS might actually be caused by the station being too clean. Without other bacteria competing for resources, germs from the astronauts' skin were thriving on the station walls and leading to more common infections. If nations are serious about keeping humans in space for good, they will need to find a way to manage and control the spread of these new bacterial species. Discovery of pulsars British astronomer Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell was the first person to discover a pulsar in 1967 when she spotted a radio pulsar. Since then other types of pulsars that emit X-rays and gamma rays have also been spotted. Pulsars are essentially rotating, highly magnetised neutron stars but when they were first discovered it was believed they could have come from aliens. 'Wow!' radio signal In 1977, an astronomer looking for alien life in the night sky above Ohio spotted a radio signal so powerful that he excitedly wrote 'Wow!' next to his data. In 1977, an astronomer looking for alien life in the night sky above Ohio spotted a radio signal so powerful that he excitedly wrote 'Wow!' next to his data The 72-second blast, spotted by Dr Jerry Ehman through a radio telescope, came from Sagittarius but matched no known celestial object. Conspiracy theorists have since claimed that the 'Wow! signal', which was 30 times stronger than background radiation, was a message from intelligent extraterrestrials. Fossilised Martian microbes In 1996 Nasa and the White House made the explosive announcement that the rock contained traces of Martian bugs. The meteorite, catalogued as Allen Hills (ALH) 84001, crashed onto the frozen wastes of Antarctica 13,000 years ago and was recovered in 1984. Photographs were released showing elongated segmented objects that appeared strikingly lifelike. However, the excitement did not last long. Other scientists questioned whether the meteorite samples were contaminated. They also argued that heat generated when the rock was blasted into space may have created mineral structures that could be mistaken for microfossils. Behaviour of Tabby's Star in 2005 The star, otherwise known as KIC 8462852, is located 1,400 light years away and has baffled astronomers since being discovered in 2015. It dims at a much faster rate than other stars, which some experts have suggested is a sign of aliens harnessing the energy of a star. Recent studies have 'eliminated the possibility of an alien megastructure', and instead, suggests that a ring of dust could be causing the strange signals. Exoplanets in the Goldilocks zone in 2017 In February 2017 astronomers announced they had spotted a star system with planets that could support life just 39 light years away. Seven Earth-like planets were discovered orbiting nearby dwarf star 'Trappist-1', and all of them could have water at their surface, one of the key components of life. Three of the planets have such good conditions, that scientists say life may have already evolved on them. Researchers claim that they will know whether or not there is life on any of the planets within a decade, and said: 'This is just the beginning.'
Economic Times
22-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Can microbes survive in space? This study answers the question
Scientists have discovered a new microbe species aboard China's Tiangong space station. Named Niallia tiangongensis, this strain shows unique adaptations to space. The discovery, made during the Shenzhou 15 mission, offers insight into how microbes survive in orbit and may help protect astronauts on long-term space missions. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Microbe Found Scientific Analysis Traits of New Strain Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Study FAQs A new species of microbe has been found on the Chinese Tiangong space station . Scientists analyzed samples from the station and identified a strain not seen before. The discovery was confirmed in a scientific strain, Niallia tiangongensis , was discovered in samples collected during the Shenzhou 15 crewed mission. This mission returned to Earth in June 2023. The samples were taken from surfaces inside Tiangong. Scientists later studied these samples in laboratories on confirmed that the microbe is a new strain using different methods. They used morphological observation, genome sequencing and metabolic profiling. These methods showed that the strain belongs to the genus Niallia and the family Cytobacillaceae. The microbe is related to another strain found on Earth. That strain exists in soil and waste. It can infect people with weak immune new strain has several traits that are different from its Earth-based relatives. It shows a stronger oxidative stress response. It also forms a biofilm that helps it repair radiation damage. These traits help the microbe survive in space. The differences come from changes in two types of proteins in the microbe. Scientists believe these traits are adaptations to astronauts collect microbe samples from different areas inside Tiangong. These areas include air vents, surfaces and water dispensers. Monitoring microbes helps protect astronauts and keep the space station working well. This regular monitoring helped researchers discover the new study was done by scientists from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering. The findings were published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology in March discovery helps scientists understand how microbes adapt in space and how to protect astronauts during long was identified using morphological studies, genome sequencing and metabolic profiling from samples taken aboard the Tiangong station.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
New species of space-adapted bacteria discovered on China's Tiangong space station
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have discovered a previously unknown strain of microbe after analyzing samples taken from China's Tiangong space station. The new microbe strain, officially named Niallia tiangongensis, was found in microbial samples collected from the surfaces of Tiangong during the Shenzhou 15 crewed mission, which returned to Earth in June 2023. The new microbe is an aerobic, spore-forming and rod-shaped bacteria, according to its description in a peer-reviewed paper in the journal International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology that was published this March. It is the first time a new species has been discovered aboard Tiangong, a three-module space station in low Earth orbit. The new species is most closely related to one found on Earth in soil and waste, which can cause infections and even sepsis in immunocompromised individuals. It has been determined to be a new strain through morphological observation, genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and metabolic profiling, belonging to the genus Niallia within the family Cytobacillaceae. "Understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and maintaining the functionality of spacecraft," the paper states. The new microbe's apparent adaptations to conditions in orbit set it apart from its terrestrial relatives. Niallia tiangongensis displays a heightened oxidative stress response and a unique biofilm-forming ability that aids radiation damage repair. These adaptations — due to structural and functional differences in two types of proteins — demonstrate that the microbe has developed mechanisms to aid survival in the extremes of the space environment, according to the paper. The paper was authored by researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering. China's astronauts working aboard Tiangong regularly sample microbes from the space station's air, surfaces and water dispenser outlets to monitor the space station's environment. Related stories: — How microbes from Earth can help astronauts adapt to long-term space missions — China's space station, Tiangong: A complete guide — Newly discovered bacteria on space station could help astronauts grow plants on Mars It is not the first time a novel species has been discovered in space. While space stations are relatively clean environments and are bombarded by higher doses of radiation than the surface of Earth, astronauts coming to and from space stations carry trillions of microscopic organisms with them. A range of new bacteria have been identified from the International Space Station, including strains of bacteria that could help astronauts to grow crops on Mars. Recently, 26 previously unknown bacterial species were discovered in NASA clean rooms — some of the most sterile places humanity has built, designed to prevent spacecraft from carrying unwanted microbes to other planetary bodies. Research aboard Tiangong also includes assessing how microbes interact with materials aboard Tiangong, China Central Television (CCTV) reported, citing China's human spaceflight agency. Tests include how the fungus Aspergillus niger (black mold) affects various materials such as polyurethane-coated circuit boards, bare copper boards, and heat-shrink tubing, with the aim of further understanding how microbial colonies can cause corrosion in a space environment.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Chinese Scientists Discover Mysterious Bacteria On Tiangong Space Station
Chinese scientists discovered a new bacteria species on Tiangong Space Station. The microbe, named Niallia tiangongensis, was found during Shenzhou 15 mission. It is an aerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium with unique adaptations. Chinese scientists have discovered a new species of bacteria on board the Tiangong Space Station. According to a paper published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, the new microbe strain, officially named Niallia tiangongensis, was found in microbial samples collected from the surfaces of the Tiangong during the Shenzhou 15 crewed mission, which returned to Earth in June 2023. The new microbe has been described as an aerobic, spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium. It is the first time a new species has been discovered aboard Tiangong, a three-module space station in low Earth orbit. According to the paper, the novel strain closely resembles Niallia circulans found on Earth, but it also exhibits several mutations that could prove beneficial in the study of life as it moves out into space. "Understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and maintaining the functionality of spacecraft," the paper states, as per Science Alert. Scientists say that the new bacteria have a "unique ability" to hydrolyse (break down) gelatine, which could be useful in environments with limited nutrients. The new strain also showed "structural and functional" differences in two key proteins, which "may enhance" biofilm formation, oxidative stress response and repair radiation damage, as per the paper. These adaptations demonstrate that the microbe has developed mechanisms to aid survival in the extremes of the space environment, according to the research. It is yet to be determined whether the new bacteria poses any threat to the health of Tiangong's astronauts. The study of which bacteria survive on space stations is necessary for understanding how to control and avoid contamination on board. Notably, this is not the first time a novel species has been discovered in space. According to a range of new bacteria have been previously identified from the International Space Station, including strains of bacteria that could help astronauts to grow crops on Mars. More recently, 26 previously unknown bacterial species were discovered in NASA clean rooms - one of the most sterile places humanity has built.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
An Unknown Microbe Snuck Onto China's Space Station. Could It Infect the Universe?
Two new studies show how difficult it is to keep microbes from traveling into Earth orbit and beyond. Chinese scientists report that they've found a novel bacteria on the Tiangong space station, but can't confirm if it evolved on the station itself or on Earth before hitching a ride skyward. Similarly, a separate study shows that NASA's clean room—used for the Phoenix Mars lander mission—also contained 26 novel bacteria species. Bacteria seem to thrive anywhere—even in places where they are least wanted. In the past week, we've have gotten a pretty stark reminder that these microbes can survive and thrive in the most unlikely of places. The first case concerns China's Tiangong space station. Around 20 percent the size of the International Space Station (ISS), Tiangong similarly conducts experiments in fields ranging from physics to biotechnology and beyond—at last count, the station has enabled some 180 scientific investigations. One of those investigations, known as the Habitation Area Microbiome Programme, called for Chinese astronauts (known as hángtiān yuán or 'space travelers') to collect swabs of the interior cabin of the three-capsule Tiangong in two surveys. Swabs obtained in May of 2023 are now the subject of a new study that highlights the novel microbiome environment of the space station, which is even different from similar spacecraft like the ISS. This space-based microbiome now includes a novel bacteria, identified in a study published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Known as Niallia tiangongensis—a nod to the orbital environment in which it was discovered—the bacteria isn't wholly alien. Instead, it appears to be a close relative of Niallia circulans, which is typically found in soils on Earth and is known to be the cause of some wound infections (the bacteria was classified under the genus Bacillus until 2020). 'Understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and maintaining the functionality of spacecraft,' the authors wrote. 'Based on phenotypic, physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as genome annotation, [the novel bacteria] was considered a novel species within the genus Niallia.' But do we really need to understand the threat of bacteria in space? After all, NASA has clean rooms for this very reason, right? Yeah, about that… Another study—published earlier this month as part of a collaboration between scientists from NASA, Saudi Arabia, and India—found that NASA's clean rooms, which were used during the Phoenix Mars lander mission (originally launched in 2007), were chock-full of hearty microbes. 26 of those microbes were completely unknown to science. 'Our study aimed to understand the risk of extremophiles being transferred in space missions and to identify which microorganisms might survive the harsh conditions of space,' Alexandre Rosado, the lead author of a study published in the journal Microbiome, said in a press statement. 'This effort is pivotal for monitoring the risk of microbial contamination and safeguarding against unintentional colonization of exploring planets.' With more than two dozen rovers and landers sent to Mars, microbes have almost certainly hitched a ride to the Red Planet, which can complicate matters when a mission's goal is to search for native microbial life. The very act of sending Earth-based organisms to other planets would likely violate some kind of Star Trek-ian microbial Prime Directive. In Tiangong's case, scientists can't be sure if this novel bacteria evolved while on the space station, or if it came to be on Earth and simply hitched a ride via rocket. Humans may be the most adept space explorers among eukaryotes, but when it comes to pure numbers, no one holds a candle to prokaryotic bacteria. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
