&w=3840&q=100)
Chinese scientists discover mysterious bacteria on Tiangong space station
According to descriptions, the new microorganism is a rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium that forms spores. On board Tiangong, a three-module space station in low Earth orbit, a new microbial species has been found for the first time.
Chinese researchers found mysterious bacteria: About the Mutations
According to the study, the bacteria is identical to the terrestrial species Niallia circulans. However, scientists found that the space strain had important genetic differences. The mutations can help scientists understand the evolution of bacteria beyond Earth.
The bacterium exhibits a unique ability to break down gelatine, a trait that could support microbial life in nutrient-poor or extreme environments. Two proteins in Niallia tiangongensis experienced structural and functional changes, according to the study. These changes may improve the bacterium's ability to form biofilms, respond to oxidative stress, and repair radiation damage.
Chinese found mysterious bacteria: Is it helpful in future?
According to scientists, this research suggests how bacteria survive in space. It is currently unknown if astronauts' health might be at risk due to this new strain. However, research into these microbes is essential for both mission security and space sanitation. By monitoring microbiological life on spacecraft, unintended contamination is avoided.
The discovery of new microbes in space is not unprecedented. The strains of new bacteria had also been identified from the International Space Station (ISS), which the scientists say would be helpful in growing crops on Mars. According to a recent study, 26 new bacterial strains were found in NASA clean rooms, which are among the world's most sterile settings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
50 years on, a pioneering ISRO project underlines tech's value in real-life use, not just in missions
Streaming from space Space has, once again, captured the imagination of people around the world. India, too, has seen a resurgence of interest in space, most recently through Shubhanshu Shukla's mission to International Space Station (ISS). However, the glamour and media coverage are mainly restricted to such missions, and are missing for programmes of technology it is the applications that justify the investments in space, especially for a developing country like India with so many alternative demands on resources. It is for this reason that India was a pioneer in the use of space tech for societal benefit. This year marks the 50th anniversary of a global milestone in this area. It was on August 1, 1975, that the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) began, with its first broadcast. A collaborative India-US effort, SITE took educational and development TV programmes to specially installed community TV receivers in about 2,400 villages in six states. Programmes, beamed up to Nasa's ATS-6 satellite from Earth stations in Ahmedabad and Delhi, were received in these villages through a 10-ft diameter antenna and an electronic converter - a precursor to DTH (direct-to-home). The six states were selected keeping in mind India's diversity. And, within them, the most backward districts were chosen. The villages were often remote and included, in Orissa, unelectrified villages where TV sets were operated on batteries. TV sets, for community viewing, were installed in schools or panchayat ghars where all - irrespective of caste and class - had free access.A young team, led by a few stalwarts like SITE programme manager E V Chitnis - who turns 100 today - worked with passion and deep commitment. Engineers ensured that TV sets in remote villages were maintained so well that their downtime was lower than those in urban homes. Social scientists visited these villages - some lived there for 15 months - to research the impact. Programme-makers, almost all fresh graduates from Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune, were recruited by Isro to make the science education programmes, while Doordarshan set up special studios to make programmes specifically for each state. Local language, area-specific broadcasts took the latest agricultural practices to farmers in SITE villages. Education programmes for primary school children aimed at the 'enrichment' of classroom teaching. A special teacher training programme - in person and supported by TV broadcasts - conducted in partnership with NCERT and the education ministry, covered 45,000 teachers in two sessions. Apart from state-specific broadcasts, a common 'national programme' for 30 mins each day was beamed to all six states. Concerned about the centralising potential of satellite broadcasting, SITE also included a decentralised set-up: India's first district-level rural TV station in Kheda district (the home of Amul), Gujarat. This served as the model for expansion of TV through low-power transmitters (LPTs). The Kheda Communications Project was an experiment in participatory communication and won wide acclaim, including Unesco's first Rural Communication Prize. Hailed by Arthur Clarke as 'the greatest communication experiment in history', SITE drew worldwide recognition. As the first-ever large-scale use of direct broadcasting from a satellite, SITE took TV into the depths of rural India, reaching disadvantaged people even before TV reached most urban areas. While it lacked the heart-stopping drama of a rocket launch, or the heart-in-mouth climax of the last tragic moments of Chandrayaan-2, it had many heart-warming awe, novelty and magic of seeing a moving picture come out of a box - most people in SITE villages had never been to a cinema - the excitement and spark in the eyes of children watching educational programmes: these moments will stay forever with those involved in SITE. Probably in the one year of SITE, we learned more than the villagers. SITE embodied Vikram Sarabhai's vision for Isro, which was based on two primary strands: knowledge creation, and its use for practical benefit. The former, encompassing space science, began with cosmic ray research, using balloons and sounding rockets, and progressed to the Mars mission, the successful Chandrayaan landing and the solar observatory, Aditya. Both strands were based on the philosophy of self-reliance where possible, and cooperation or collaboration where necessary. SITE exemplified this. All the ground hardware was designed, developed and made in India; the satellite and its launch were by the US. Today, India has moved many notches up with Nisar (Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission scheduled for launch on July paced and dictated technology development, the latter not being a goal in itself. To be the 'first' or 'fifth' country to do something was never an objective, and vanity projects were articulation of this - which one hopes continues to be Isro's north star - is best expressed in Sarabhai's words: '...there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But... if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society.' An apt reminder on SITE@ writer worked in Isro for over 2 decades, and was deeply involved in SITE (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Can victims of Jane Street scam be compensated by investor protection funds? Did the likes of TCS, Infosys, Wipro let India down in AI race? How India's oil arbitrage has hit the European sanctions wall Apple has a new Indian-American COO. What it needs might be a new CEO. Stock Radar: Tata Chemicals breaks out from 1-month consolidation; time to buy the dip? Power sector companies: Will they be able to outperform? 5 power stocks with an upside potential ranging from 6 to 29% For risk-takers with long-term perspective: 7 mid-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of over 26% Multibagger or IBC - Part 16: Regulatory tailwind turns compliance into cash. This auto ancillary could be a winner
News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Captures A Slice Of The Cosmos From His Bengaluru Home
Last Updated: Shukla, who returned from space earlier this year, continues to share his love for astronomy through striking night sky photographs shot from his rooftop. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the only Indian aboard the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has shared detailed images of the Orion Nebula taken from the rooftop of his home in Bengaluru. Shukla, who returned from the International Space Station with commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), posted close-up photos on his X account. The images feature the Orion Nebula in sharp detail, with the Horsehead Nebula clearly visible at its center. Shukla, who is undergoing post-mission medical checks and recovery, took up astrophotography after returning from training at Star City, Russia. He shared that aboard the ISS, he frequently spent time in the Cupola, which is the station's panoramic viewing module, and capturing Earth and celestial views. In the X post, he wrote, 'I started into astrophotography upon returning to India after my first leg of training at GCTC, Russia. The pictures in sequence are of the same interstellar object M42 (M stands for Messier- Name of the catalogue that maintains all night sky objects) also known as the Orion Nebula. Over time we got better that is evident from the last photo. All the pictures were clicked from the night sky of Bengaluru. Slow or fast, if you keep moving progress is guaranteed". After completing the mission, Shukla spoke of how impossible it is to see any borders from space. During a live video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, 'After seeing Earth from outside, the first thought that came to mind was that Earth looks completely one; no border is visible from outside…We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home". On his exchange with PM Modi aboard the ISS, Shukla said, 'The sky has never been the limit. Not for me, not for India." He added that India's flag now flies aboard the space station for the first time in history. According to a report by Moneycontrol, Shubhanshu Shukla's mission research highlights included seven experiments led by Shukla, including stem‑cell studies aimed at preventing muscle loss in microgravity, work that has potential terrestrial applications for ageing populations. He described absorbing these lessons 'like a sponge" and expressed confidence they would prove 'highly valuable" for India's Gaganyaan programme During that same exchange, Shukla described India as 'truly grand" from space, saying it appears 'bigger than it does on the map." Modi praised him for 'hoisting the flag of India in space" and said his journey was 'the shubh‑aarambh (auspicious beginning) of a new era". view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 18:27 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
8 incredible animals that can survive in outer space
Space is one of the most hostile environments imaginable, complete vacuum, cosmic radiation, extreme temperatures, and zero oxygen. Yet, some animals on Earth can survive these exact conditions. Thanks to unique biological traits, these space-resilient species are helping scientists understand how life might exist beyond Earth. From microscopic water bears to lab-tested rodents, these animals have either survived actual space missions or simulated space conditions with astonishing results. If you're fascinated by space biology, interstellar survival, or future life-support research, these 8 incredible animals that can survive in space will leave you amazed and maybe a little inspired by nature's resilience. 8 animals that can survive in space conditions Tardigrades (Water Bears) Tardigrades are the champions of survival. These microscopic creatures can survive dehydration, freezing, boiling, radiation, and even the vacuum of outer space. In 2007, they were launched into space and came back alive after direct exposure to cosmic radiation. Scientists believe tardigrades' ability to enter a cryptobiosis state is key to their space resilience. Cockroaches Cockroaches are famous for their toughness, and space has only proven that reputation. In a Russian experiment aboard Foton-M3 in 2007, cockroach eggs were exposed to space radiation—and still hatched. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Struggling With Belly Fat? Try This at Home Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Their resistance to radiation and ability to thrive in extreme environments makes them a fascinating subject in astrobiology and space research. Roundworms These tiny nematodes were part of NASA 's Columbia shuttle mission. After surviving re-entry, they proved invaluable in studying how microgravity affects muscle development, aging, and gene expression. Their biological makeup is surprisingly similar to humans, making them perfect candidates for long-term space studies in simulated extraterrestrial conditions. Brine Shrimp (Sea Monkeys) Brine shrimp can survive complete dehydration, which allows their eggs to be sent to space and rehydrated later. On several missions, these tiny crustaceans have successfully hatched in orbit. Their unique lifecycle and resistance to harsh environments make them great models for closed-loop ecosystems in space travel. Fruit Flies Fruit flies have been going to space since 1947, making them the first animals ever launched by the U.S. They reproduce quickly and are used to study the genetic effects of radiation and microgravity. Their contribution to space genetics has provided crucial data for human health in long-term space missions. Mice Mice are common test subjects aboard the International Space Station. They help researchers study bone loss, muscle atrophy, and stress in microgravity. In space, their bodies undergo similar changes to humans, which helps scientists test medicines, gene expression, and physical adaptation techniques for future human missions. Fungi Though technically not animals, some fungi have survived space conditions and are worth including. Species like Cryptococcus neoformans and Cladosporium sphaerospermum not only endured radiation but appeared to grow better in it. These fungi are now being studied for future space missions as natural radiation shields or even food sources. Zebrafish Zebrafish are a key part of space experiments due to their genetic similarity to humans and transparent bodies. They've been used in ISS missions to study heart development, bone loss, and how microgravity affects the nervous system. Their embryos have even shown successful growth in space conditions. Also read | 2025 Gen Z slang guide: What 'Rizz', 'Delulu' and 'Brat' really mean
