Latest news with #ShenzhouSpaceBiotechnologyGroup
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.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Unknown bacteria found on China's space station ‘never seen on Earth' with ‘unique ability' after astronauts swab cabin
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MYSTERIOUS form of bacteria has been discovered aboard China's space station, with unique abilities that help it survive hundreds of kilometres above the ground. Scientists found the bacteria, called Niallia tiangongensis, after astronauts swabbed a cabin on the Tiangong orbital outpost in May 2023. 2 While it is related to similar bacteria on Earth, it's not clear where the new N. tiangongensis came from, or whether it evolved on the station Credit: Getty Researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering say the study of this new bacteria and others is "essential" in protecting astronauts' health. While it is related to similar bacteria on Earth, it's not clear where the new N. tiangongensis came from, or whether it evolved on the station. It's possible it arrived on Tiangong in spore form, with at least a few of its distinguishing features in place. Scientists are still working out if N. tiangongensis poses any threat to astronauts health. A bacterial cousin on Earth can cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients. A new study on the bacteria, published in a leading microbiology journal, found the new species can break down gelatin as a source of nitrogen and carbon. This rare ability allows it to build a protective biofilm shield over itself when conditions become too extreme to survive. Related bacteria on Earth are able to consume other energy-packed substances for survival - but N. tiangongensis appears to have lost this ability. N. tiangongensis' new skill of breaking down gelatin, paired with the deadliness of its Earthbound bacterial cousin, suggests it could pose a risk to health. US gearing up for all-out SPACE WAR with Russia and China as general warns West 'must be ready' for orbit battlefield Astronauts on the Tiangong space station regularly disinfect surfaces and monitor microorganisms to control the growth of bacteria. There are also air filtration systems built into the space station to purify the air. But despite best efforts, astronauts can get sick with microbial infections from space station bacteria - just like they do on Earth. It cannot be completely prevented, despite the cleaning and monitoring regime, as well as the quarantining of astronauts prior to flight.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Unknown bacteria found on China's space station ‘never seen on Earth' with ‘unique ability' after astronauts swab cabin
A MYSTERIOUS form of bacteria has been discovered aboard China's space station, with unique abilities that help it survive hundreds of kilometres above the ground. Scientists found the bacteria, called Niallia tiangongensis, after astronauts swabbed a cabin on the Tiangong orbital outpost in May 2023. Researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering say the study of this new bacteria and others is "essential" in protecting astronauts' health. While it is related to similar bacteria on Earth, it's not clear where the new N. tiangongensis came from, or whether it evolved on the station. It's possible it arrived on Tiangong in spore form, with at least a few of its distinguishing features in place. Scientists are still working out if N. tiangongensis poses any threat to astronauts health. A bacterial cousin on Earth can cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients. A new study on the bacteria, published in a leading microbiology journal, found the new species can break down gelatin as a source of nitrogen and carbon. This rare ability allows it to build a protective biofilm shield over itself when conditions become too extreme to survive. Related bacteria on Earth are able to consume other energy-packed substances for survival - but N. tiangongensis appears to have lost this ability. N. tiangongensis' new skill of breaking down gelatin, paired with the deadliness of its Earthbound bacterial cousin, suggests it could pose a risk to health. US gearing up for all-out SPACE WAR with Russia and China as general warns West 'must be ready' for orbit battlefield Astronauts on the Tiangong space station regularly disinfect surfaces and monitor microorganisms to control the growth of bacteria. There are also air filtration systems built into the space station to purify the air. But despite best efforts, astronauts can get sick with microbial infections from space station bacteria - just like they do on Earth. It cannot be completely prevented, despite the cleaning and monitoring regime, as well as the quarantining of astronauts prior to flight.
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Unknown bacteria found on China's space station ‘never seen on Earth' with ‘unique ability' after astronauts swab cabin
A MYSTERIOUS form of bacteria has been discovered aboard China's space station, with unique abilities that help it survive hundreds of kilometres above the ground. Scientists found the bacteria, called Niallia tiangongensis, after astronauts swabbed a cabin on the 2 While it is related to similar bacteria on Earth, it's not clear where the new N. tiangongensis came from, or whether it evolved on the station Credit: Getty Researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering say the study of this new bacteria and others is "essential" in protecting astronauts' health. While it is related to similar bacteria on Earth, it's not clear where the new N. tiangongensis came from, or whether it evolved on the station. It's possible it arrived on Tiangong in spore form, with at least a few of its distinguishing features in place. Scientists are still working out if N. tiangongensis poses any threat to astronauts health. READ MORE ON SPACE A bacterial cousin on Earth can cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients. A new study on the bacteria, published in a leading This rare ability allows it to build a protective biofilm shield over itself when conditions become too extreme to survive. Related bacteria on Earth are able to consume other energy-packed substances for survival - but N. tiangongensis appears to have lost this ability. Most read in Tech N. tiangongensis' new skill of breaking down gelatin, paired with the deadliness of its Earthbound bacterial cousin, suggests it could pose a risk to health. US gearing up for all-out SPACE WAR with Russia and China as general warns West 'must be ready' for orbit battlefield Astronauts on the There are also air filtration systems built into the space station to purify the air. But despite best efforts, astronauts can get sick with microbial infections from space station bacteria - just like they do on Earth. It cannot be completely prevented, despite the cleaning and monitoring regime, as well as the quarantining of astronauts prior to flight. 2
