Discovery of Radiation-Resistant Bacteria Aboard China's Space Station

[Social Media]

 

Discovery of Radiation-Resistant Bacteria Aboard China's Space Station Could Transform Deep Space Travel

 

A newly discovered strain of bacteria found aboard China's Tiangong Space Station may hold the key to unlocking safer and longer human journeys into deep space. Scientists say this microbe, with an unusual resistance to radiation and environmental stress, could greatly support astronaut health and spacecraft maintenance during extended missions beyond Earth.

 

The strain, a variant of Niallia, was identified on the surface of hardware on the space station by Chinese taikonauts in May 2023. The findings were recently published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, marking a significant advancement in understanding microbial life in outer space.

 

According to the published report, “Understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and maintaining the functionality of spacecraft.” This discovery is especially timely as space agencies around the world plan increasingly ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

 

Bacteria in space are exposed to extreme conditions such as microgravity, high radiation levels, and a scarcity of nutrients. Only the most robust strains can survive these hostile environments, and studying them provides crucial insights into both risk management and potential resource utilization in space missions.

 

The newly identified strain closely resembles Niallia circulans, a species commonly found on Earth. However, it distinguishes itself through its impressive resistance to radiation and oxidative stress, two of the most pressing biological threats in space. What makes this strain particularly remarkable is its “unique ability” to hydrolyze gelatine—a capability that could become extremely useful when nutrients are in short supply.

 

The discovery has implications that extend well beyond theoretical interest. Learning how this bacterium survives and thrives under space conditions could lead to the development of biological tools or shielding techniques that protect astronauts from harmful radiation. Additionally, its capacity to break down certain compounds in nutrient-poor settings could assist in bio-recycling or even food production in closed space systems.

 

By isolating and studying this bacteria, scientists hope to better understand how life adapts to space, potentially unlocking innovations in biotechnology and space medicine. The authors of the report emphasize that research into microbial behavior is critical for not just contamination control, but also for building sustainable life support systems for long-duration spaceflights.

 

As humanity prepares for the next great leap into deep space, the discovery of this resilient strain of Niallia may represent a small but vital step toward making interplanetary travel safer and more feasible.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Sky News  2025-05-23

 

 

[JimHuaHin]

Or maybe it is an alien virus which will return to Earth with the Sinonauts, and then proceed to colonise the planet.

[johng]

1 minute ago, JimHuaHin said:

and then proceed to colonise the planet.

The last of us !

[expat_4_life]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

Discovery of Radiation-Resistant Bacteria Aboard China's Space Station Could Transform Deep Space Travel

Mutant bacteria ... what could possibly go wrong?

[parallelman]

Various micro organisms have recently been found in Nasa's 'clean rooms' too. So perhaps the Chinese 'clean rooms' have same. Lab tests have shown that the organisms are resistent to oxidative conditions (such as Hydrogen Peroxide and other chemicals).

The dominant bacteria found, Acinetobactor, Resistens, is in the same group that causes Pyelonephritis. Not something astronauts want eh?

[ignore it]

I saw the movie, it doesn't end well.

[FlorC]

Bacteria ? Who cares.

 

Tardigrade !

 

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2106468-worlds-hardiest-animal-has-evolved-radiation-shield-for-its-dna/

https://www.sciencealert.com/new-tardigrade-discovery-reveals-secrets-of-radiation-resistance

[Sydebolle]

Just saw a documentation the other day on Chernobyl - 39 years after the nuclear disaster. The entire region is completely cordoned off yet some scientists must have gone in with protective gear to see, what has happened since. 

Interesting enough quite some wildlife settled there unhindered, from four-legged wolves to flies, mosquitoes etc. without apparent influence of very evident radiation. I did not pay more attention to the subject apart from the fact, that there is life despite heavy radiation - so the Chinese findings might complement what Chernobyl has to offer (when it was still the Soviet Union and not Ukraine, that is). 

[parallelman]

1 hour ago, Sydebolle said:

Just saw a documentation the other day on Chernobyl - 39 years after the nuclear disaster. The entire region is completely cordoned off yet some scientists must have gone in with protective gear to see, what has happened since. 

Interesting enough quite some wildlife settled there unhindered, from four-legged wolves to flies, mosquitoes etc. without apparent influence of very evident radiation. I did not pay more attention to the subject apart from the fact, that there is life despite heavy radiation - so the Chinese findings might complement what Chernobyl has to offer (when it was still the Soviet Union and not Ukraine, that is). 

Yes, certainly with the Wolves there appears to be a change. They are apparently bigger, have tougher build than Wolves in more natural areas. I also read somewhere that their eyes are different too. Research is ongoing so who knows what else might be found.....life finds a way.