NASA acidentally discovers super bacteria that could survive on Mars
According to the study, published in journal Microbiome, the microbes evolved to resist the clean room's repeated sterilization efforts. They boast powerful DNA repair systems, fast metabolism, and the ability to neutralize toxins.
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Bacteria Built for the Impossible
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More Than a Space Threat: Earthly Benefits Too
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Could They Survive on Mars?
In an unexpected twist, NASA scientists have discovered 26 previously unknown species of bacteria—right inside one of the cleanest places on Earth. The find, made at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), reveals that some microbes are not only resilient but may even be capable of surviving the extreme conditions of Mars The bacteria were found in a highly sterilized clean room at JPL, where the Phoenix spacecraft was assembled in 2007. Designed to be virtually free of life to prevent contaminating other planets, the lab instead harbored 215 bacterial strains. Among them, scientists identified 53 strains that belonged to 26 never-before-seen species.Some bacteria were already present before the spacecraft arrived. Others appeared during its construction and testing. Despite rigorous sterilization procedures, including exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation, these microbes didn't just survive—they adapted.'This is a serious concern for planetary protection ,' microbiologist Alexandre Rosado was quoted as saying by the Dailygalaxy. He noted that such organisms could accidentally hitch a ride to other worlds, potentially interfering with life-detection missions.These newly discovered microbes possess traits typically found in Earth's most extreme environments. They showed high resistance to radiation, toxic substances, and disinfection chemicals—features that echo extremophiles like those living in deep-sea vents or Antarctica.According to the study, published in journal Microbiome, the microbes evolved to resist the clean room's repeated sterilization efforts. They boast powerful DNA repair systems, fast metabolism, and the ability to neutralize toxins. As co-author Junia Schultz from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) put it, 'They're true survivalists.'While their resilience raises concerns about planetary contamination, these bacteria could offer breakthroughs here on Earth.Scientists believe the same genes that help them endure harsh conditions could aid in developing:This accidental discovery also reinforces the need for more stringent cleanliness standards in space missions. NASA has already begun reviewing protocols to minimize the risk of microbial contamination during future interplanetary explorations.The big question: Could these bacteria survive off Earth?While that's still being studied, their durability certainly raises the possibility. If Earth microbes are accidentally introduced to Mars or another planet, they could interfere with life-detection missions or be mistaken for alien life . They could outcompete native organisms—if any exist in the alien planets.NASA has previously conducted experiments on how microbes handle near-space environments, and this new research adds a powerful data point to that growing body of knowledge.As scientists continue to push the boundaries of space and life sciences, these rogue bacteria may turn out to be unlikely pioneers—showing us both the strength of life on Earth and the care needed when searching for it elsewhere.
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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Europa moon, chromosphere, NISAR mission and more (Week 120)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the NISAR mission, consider the following statements: 1. It is an Earth observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO. 2. The satellite will be launched on the PSLV-C61 and put in a sun-synchronous orbit. 3. The satellite will scan the entire globe every 30 days, providing a series of very detailed images of the Earth's surface. 4. It will be the first satellite ever to observe the Earth in two frequencies. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — The much-awaited launch of NISAR — an earth observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO — is set to take place on July 30 at 5:40 pm from the country's only spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The satellite will be launched on the GSLV-F16 and be put in a 734 km sun synchronous orbit — an orbit in which the satellite reaches over a place at the same time each day. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — The satellite will scan the entire globe every 12 days, providing a series of very detailed images of the Earth's surface. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — NISAR, which stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, will provide an unprecedented view of the planet. Weighing 2,392 kg it will be the first satellite ever to observe the Earth in two frequencies — NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band. 'Each system's signal is sensitive to different sizes of features on Earth's surface, and each specializes in measuring different attributes, such as moisture content, surface roughness, and motion,' according to NASA. Hence, statement 4 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the chromosphere, consider the following statements: 1. It is a region sandwiched between the sun's atmosphere (the million-degree corona) and the photosphere (the sun's visible surface). 2. It is in the chromosphere where the solar flares, hot plasma jets, and powerful energy fluxes originate. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Solar physicists will make a new attempt to observe the chromosphere of the sun, which is the most dynamic region. NASA, along with a team of international solar physicists, will launch a sounding rocket experiment on July 18 from New Mexico. — Reddish in colour, the chromosphere is a region sandwiched between the sun's atmosphere (the million-degree corona) and the photosphere (the sun's visible surface). It is in the chromosphere where the solar flares, hot plasma jets, and powerful energy fluxes originate. The temperature variations recorded along this region can vary between 6000 degrees Celsius and over a million degrees Celsius. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — The suborbital sounding rocket experiment will last under ten minutes. On board will be the Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph (SNIFS) – a solar-gazing spectrograph solar gazing spectrograph. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements about MiG-21 fighter jets: 1. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire the remaining Russian-origin MiG-21 fleet in a ceremonial decommissioning on September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase. 2. There are five squadrons of the MiG-21 Bisons currently active. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — After protecting the Indian skies through all major conflicts over more than six decades, the legendary MiG-21 fighter jets are set to retire in September. — The Indian Air Force (IAF) will ceremonially decommission the last Russian-origin MiG-21 fleet on September 19 at the Chandigarh airport. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Two squadrons of MiG-21 Bisons are currently operational. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — Since the aircraft's introduction into the IAF in 1963, India has purchased around 700 MiG-21s in various variants, including the Type-77, Type-96, BIS, and Bison. — The retirement of the ageing MiG-21 fleet was originally scheduled for 2022, but was postponed due to a delay in the planned induction of additional fighter jets, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, which will replace the MiG-21 squadrons. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Which of the following viruses is also known as the 'bleeding eye' virus? (a) Marburg virus (b) Avian influenza (c) Hepatitis B virus (d) Hepatitis E virus Explanation — MVD, sometimes known as the 'bleeding eye virus,' is one of the worst diseases capable of infecting humans. Case mortality rates in previous outbreaks ranged from 24% to 88%, depending on the virus type and case care. The first incidence in Rwanda this year was recorded in September. — Marburg is a filovirus, just like Ebola. Both infections are clinically identical and, while rare, can generate high-fatality epidemics. — The first recognised MVD outbreak occurred in Marburg, Germany, in 1967. Following that, successive outbreaks have largely been recorded throughout Africa, most recently in Tanzania, Ghana, and now Rwanda. — The World Health Organisation has listed MVD as one of the infections that pose the greatest hazard to public health and for which no suitable treatments or vaccinations exist. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following: 1. Sulphur compounds 2. Helium gas 3. Argon gas 4. Pyroclastic debris How many of the following are products of volcanic eruptions? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Volcanoes can be on land and in the ocean. They are formed when material significantly hotter than its surroundings is erupted onto the surface of the Earth. The material could be liquid rock (known as 'magma', when it's underground and 'lava' when it breaks through the surface), ash, and/or gases. — Magma refers to the material found in the upper mantle. When it begins to move towards the crust or reaches the surface, it is known as 'lava.' — Lava flows, pyroclastic debris, volcanic bombs, ash and dust, as well as gases such as nitrogen compounds, sulphur compounds, and trace amounts of chlorine, hydrogen, and argon, all make their way to the ground. — Helium is not a product of volcanic eruptions. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements regarding Europa (one of the moon of Jupiter) Statement I : Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, is considered a strong candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life. Statement II : The James Webb Space Telescope has detected carbon dioxide and crystalline water ice on Europa's surface, indicating recent exposure of subsurface ocean material. Which one of the following is correct? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Explanation — Europa is widely regarded as one of the most promising places in our solar system to search for signs of life due to its subsurface ocean and signs of active geology. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — James Webb Space Telescope observations confirmed the presence of crystalline water ice, carbon dioxide, and sodium chloride on Europa's surface—especially in areas like Tara Regio—suggesting that material from the subsurface ocean is reaching the surface. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — These findings support the idea that Europa may have the chemical and physical conditions necessary for life, making the Statement II a correct explanation for the Statement I. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. CoinDCX, recently in the news, is related to: (a) A government digital payment initiative (b) A space-tech startup collaborating with ISRO (c) A cryptocurrency exchange that suffered a major hack (d) A fintech app launched by RBI for rural banking Explanation — CoinDCX, Mumbai‑based crypto exchange, lost US $44.2 million from an internal operational wallet hack on July 19, 2025, discovered 17 hours later by blockchain investigator ZachXBT. — It marks India's second major crypto hack in one year, reinforcing the urgency for stronger cybersecurity protocols and regulatory standards in the digital asset domain. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to the NASA's sounding-rocket mission, consider the following statements: 1. The instrument SNIFS is designed to study the Sun's chromosphere, which lies between the photosphere and the corona. 2. SNIFS will capture 3D spectroscopic data, obtaining a full spectrum for each pixel in view. 3. The mission will measure the hydrogen Lyman‑α spectral line, a key diagnostic tool for chromospheric conditions. 4. SNIFS is an orbital satellite mission scheduled to operate for several years. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — SNIFS (Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph) will study the chromosphere, the dynamic layer sandwiched between the Sun's visible surface (photosphere) and the outer corona. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — It is the first ultraviolet integral field spectrograph to fly for solar study, providing 3D data sets where each pixel carries its own spectrum. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — SNIFS targets the Lyman-α spectral line of hydrogen, the brightest line in the solar ultraviolet spectrum, crucial for diagnosing chromospheric temperature, velocity, and density. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — SNIFS is a suborbital sounding‑rocket experiment, not a satellite mission; it will operate for under 10 minutes, not years. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 118) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 119) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
A Daughter Of India Soon To Touch The Stars. ISRO, Government Determined
New Delhi: India's space odyssey is poised to take a historic leap forward, one that would include the country's daughters among its astronauts. In an exclusive conversation with Air Vice Marshal Anupam Agarwal, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Medical) and a leading space medicine expert, the roadmap for India's inclusive future in space was laid out with clarity and conviction. India will soon get women astronauts as part of Gaganyaan. The Axiom-4 flight, often referred to as Mission Akash Ganga, has already made headlines with the successful return of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from the International Space Station. But this is the beginning of an entire process, one that would include women, civilians, and people from all walks of life. Why No Women in the First Cohort The absence of women in the initial astronaut cohort has sparked questions and debate. Air Vice Marshal Agarwal addressed this directly, explaining the constraints faced during the selection process in 2019. "These are unprecedented situations," he said. "When you are building space systems from the ground up, there are many variables that are difficult to fathom at the beginning," he said. In 2019, the Indian Air Force had only male test pilots. Since the first mission required individuals with highly specialized skills to handle unknown and potentially dangerous scenarios, the selection was limited to test pilots. "A test pilot is someone you ask to fly an aircraft that's never flown before, he or she will do it at 1000 kilometres an hour, and land it safely," Air Vice Marshal Agarwal explained. "You need such a person when you're making a spacecraft for the first time. You're not sure about the systems inside it." This skill set, reflexes, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, is critical. And in 2019, the pool of qualified candidates with these attributes consisted solely of men. "We didn't have a choice," Air Vice Marshal Agarwal said. "There were no female test pilots in the Indian Armed Forces at that time." Even today, while there are several women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force, none have reached the seniority level to qualify as test pilots -- which has very stringent qualifying criteria. Global Indians The American space agency NASA has flown women of Indian origin to space like late Astronaut Kalpana Chawla and Astronaut Sunita Williams, but both were citizens of USA. A Future That Includes India's Daughters Despite these initial limitations, the future is bright and inclusive. Air Vice Marshal Agarwal confirmed that women will soon join the astronaut corps. "ISRO has been very particular that we need to be inclusive," he said. "And the Government of India has emphasized this as well. If I dare to look into the future, we should have women soon," he said. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also asserted: "We have a dream. Our scientists have a dream. We have resolved... some of our young boys and girls will unfurl the Tricolour in space." This commitment to inclusion is not just symbolic - it reflects a broader expansion of India's vision for space exploration. Future astronauts may not necessarily be scientists or engineers. They could be civilians, educators, artists, or individuals from other professions, representing the full spectrum of Indian society. "India's daughter will go to space soon. This is the order of the Indian government. She will come," Air Vice Marshal said.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
India tied up with over 60 nations for space tech, satellite communication: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi: India has partnered with more than 60 nations for space technologies and satellite communication, said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, in the Parliament's ongoing Monsoon Session on Wednesday. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Singh shared details of India's space technology collaborations as well as support given to the private sector to launch large-scale missions in space. 'Space cooperative documents have been signed with 61 countries and five multilateral bodies. The major areas of collaborations are satellite remote sensing, satellite navigation, satellite communication, space science, planetary exploration, and capacity building,' Singh said. He noted that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is already working with NASA for NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), slated to launch later this month. The Indian space agency is also working with CNES (French National Space Agency) for a joint satellite mission named 'TRISHNA (Thermal Infrared Imaging Satellite for High Resolution Natural Resource Assessment)', which is in the initial stages. ISRO and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) have carried out a feasibility study to realise a joint lunar polar exploration mission. ISRO also collaborated with NASA and Axiom Space for sending its astronaut to the International Space Station, Singh said. Further, the MoS highlighted the opening up of the space industry to the private sector and the launch of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), enabling the latter to launch large-scale space missions. He also mentioned the rollout of the Indian Space Policy, 2023, to foster a thriving space ecosystem. In addition, various schemes such as the technology adoption fund, venture capital fund for the space sector, seed fund scheme, pricing support, mentorship, and technical labs were introduced to support startups and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in the space sector. The government also 'signed 79 MoUs with NGEs and issued 77 authorisations' till March, Singh said.
