Bacteria brought into space mutated and became stronger on board the International Space Station, study finds

Several strains of bacteria Enterobacter bogandensis It showed those brought by astronauts as part of a major resistance mission aboard the International Space Station.

A recent study published in the scientific journal showed that several strains of bacteria brought by astronauts aboard the International Space Station have developed significant resistance in space. Microbiome.

Dr. Kasturi Venkateswaran of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Research Center studied 13 strains of bacteria called Enterobacter bogandensis Which were isolated at various locations on the International Space Station as part of the two-year Microbial Tracking 1 mission.

The results of the study highlight that under the influence of environmental pressures, the isolated strains mutated and became genetically and functionally distinct from their terrestrial counterparts.

Call for 'strong preventive measures'

Microgravity, higher carbon dioxide levels, and much greater solar radiation… factors to which these species have been able to adapt. They even managed to survive on the International Space Station over time and in great abundance, but they also managed to coexist with many other microorganisms “and in some cases even helped them survive.”

Finally, the researchers emphasize that their work “highlights microbial behaviour, adaptation and evolution in extreme and isolated environments” and invokes “the need for robust preventive measures, ensuring the health and safety of astronauts by mitigating risks associated with potential pathogenic threats.” “