Radiation-resistant bacteria with `unique ability` found on space station could be key for cosmos travel
The discovery was announced in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.
Chinese taikonauts found the new bacteria on the surface of hardware on board the station in May 2023, and it was analysed to see how it survived in such tough conditions
"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 report says.
Challenges faced by living things in such environments include microgravity, radiation, and limited nutrients.
Read more:
Microbes cling on to International Space Station
The study of which bacteria survive on space stations is also necessary for understanding how to control and avoid contamination on board.
According to the report, this new strain - which most closely resembles Niallia circulans found on Earth - may be better resistant to radiation и оксидативен стрес.
Той също има "уникална способност" за хидролизиране (разграждане) желатин, който може да бъде полезен в среда с ограничени хранителни вещества.
