Exciting Discovery: New Bacteria Species Found Aboard China’s Space Station

Swabs taken from China’s Tiangong space station have uncovered a new bacterium named Niallia tiangongensis. This unique microbe has traits that could help it thrive in the harsh conditions of space.

Researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering emphasize that studying N. tiangongensis and similar bacteria is crucial for astronaut health and the performance of spacecraft during long missions.

Taken in May 2023 by the Shenzhou-15 crew, these swabs were part of the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Program, which also includes another survey. This research shows that the microorganisms in Tiangong differ significantly from those on the International Space Station (ISS).

Interestingly, N. tiangongensis appears closely related to a previously identified strain, Niallia circulans. This rod-shaped bacterium, known to dwell in soil, was recently reclassified, showing how science adapts as we learn more.

Like its relatives in the Bacillus family, N. tiangongensis builds tough spores to survive extreme conditions. It’s uncertain if this bacterium evolved in space or arrived there as a spore with certain traits already developed. According to recent analyses, N. tiangongensis has a remarkable ability to break down gelatin, which helps it create a protective biofilm for survival. However, it seems it can’t use other energy-rich foods that its cousins can.

This discovery signals that microbes can quickly adapt to space environments. An earlier study found that NASA’s clean rooms, designed to eliminate contamination, still harbored new strains of bacteria, showcasing nature’s resilience.

An investigation into these newly discovered bacteria showed they could survive in conditions that would typically kill other microbes. Their strength lies in their genetic makeup, which helps them repair DNA and resist toxic substances.

Understanding how these microbes behave in space is crucial. While it’s not yet clear if N. tiangongensis poses a risk to astronauts, its close relative has been linked to serious health issues. As space agencies plan missions to the Moon and beyond, knowing how these microbes adapt will be essential for future explorers.

This research highlights how life can flourish in the most unexpected places, revealing both challenges and opportunities for humanity’s ventures into space. For more details, check the study in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

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