Unknown bacteria on earth appears at the Chinese space station
China’s newspaper South China Morning Post recently revealed that the Chinese Space Station has discovered unknown bacteria on Earth in Tingong Cabin. Found in a normal mapping check, racial baptism Nialia Tiangongensis.
The microorganisms were originally identified by the Shenzou -15 staff, which conducted the final stage of Tiangong, as part of the two surveys of the space station housing program that oversees dangerous microorganisms.
The removal and identification of N. Tiangongensis Researchers at the Shenzou Space Biotechnology Group and Beijing Space Systems Engineering Institute In an article published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary MicrobiologyIn March 2025.
According to the Pier -Reviewed study, “The study of territorial microorganisms at CSS (Chinese Space Station Initial) is always imperative, as microorganisms have potential risks to human health and normal space vessel.”
In the opinion of researchers, The microbiome has special bio and metabolic propertiesIt is suitable for their survival and extreme space climate.
Where did unknown bacteria come from?
The detection of the microbiome was surprised by scientists. Not by the presence of bacteria in space, it is a common event in these surroundings, but because The species found have never been described on our planet.
The biological and genetic characteristics of new species represent some similarities Nialia circularsA rod -shaped bacteria live in the soil, the ability to form its resistance and spores.
These survival structures protect bacteria of negative environmental conditionsRadiation, lack of nutrients and microgramming. Researchers say that these are definitely these symptoms, they may allow bacteria to survive and also develop at the space station.
But what is the source of these unknown bacteria? The most acceptable response is that it accidentally survived the earth, perhaps the “hitchhing” on equipment, grocery supplies or astronauts, after the surprisingly saffron process.
According to authors, new bacteria have a special ability to break gelatin to obtain nitrogen and carbon, creating protective biofilms in adverse conditions. However, it has lost its ability to metabolize the “treats” (energy materials) consumed by the relatives of the earth.
How to prevent contamination by bacteria in space?
This evolutionary specialization shows with the risks observed in Nialia, which develops in an abundant environment of gelatin, allowing species to abandon other digestive actions. The speed of it shows a great compatibility with our orbit habitats.
This phenomenon shows that there is no much to do about it. Tests performed in NASA’s “Clean Rooms” in the preparation of Mars Phoenix Mission Dozens of different microorganisms revealed26 including completely new species.
The recent study of these bacteria found in the mission article studying the ICE from Martin Arctic has revealed the results of their abnormal resistance from the most specialized genes such as effective DNA repair and tolerance to toxic substances.
Since we cannot prevent its presence or impressive positive efficiency, it is important to know these microorganisms deeply. It is then that it is possible to assess how they adjust to space life with some precision.
It is still unclear That’s it N. Tiangongensis Astronauts represent a kind of health to health. However, your “cousin” Bacillus Circulars The cause of sepsis in patients with immunity strengthens the importance of these “microscopic clausestins” in future space activities.
