In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a new species of bacteria, Niallia tiangongensis, thriving on China’s Tiangong space station. This microbe has adapted to the harsh conditions of space and holds secrets to surviving in nutrient-poor environments.
On Earth, there is no record of Niallia tiangongensis, a bacterium found aboard China’s ‘Tiangong’ space station. This microorganism appears to be well adapted to conditions in space and has been detected on the cockpit controls of the station.
Nailia tiangongensis is a species of fungus discovered in the Tianzhu Grand Canyon, Gansu Province, China.
It was first described in 2017 by Chinese scientists.
This species belongs to the genus Nailia and has been classified as a new species due to its unique characteristics.
Nailia tiangongensis grows on rocks and soil, and its fruiting bodies are typically small, brown, or grayish in color.
Further research is needed to fully understand the properties and potential applications of this newly discovered fungus.
The bacterium is microscopic and rod-shaped, capable of creating spores that allow it to survive for hundreds of miles above the Earth’s surface. It was first discovered by Chinese astronauts who collected swab samples from the Tiangong space station in May 2023. The samples were then frozen and sent back to Earth for study as part of the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Program (CHAMP).
Genomic sequencing revealed that Niallia tiangongensis is a new species, belonging to the genus Niallia, which has substantial genetic differences from its closest terrestrial relative, Niallia circulans. The Tiangong species exhibits structural and functional variations that enable it to thrive in space.
One of the key features of Niallia tiangongensis is its ability to hydrolyze gelatin in a unique way, allowing it to break down this protein into smaller components for survival in nutrient-poor environments. The bacterium can also form a protective biofilm and activate oxidative stress responses to promote repair in the face of radiation damage.
The discovery of Niallia tiangongensis provides valuable insights into the microscopic hazards that future space travelers will face. It highlights the need for effective sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of microorganisms on extended missions. While it is unclear whether this bacterium evolved on the space station or was present on Earth, its study will contribute significantly to our understanding of the microbiome in space.
Bacteria of the genus Niallia are characterized by their rod-like shape and thick cell walls. They lack an outer membrane and have the ability to form endospores that ensure their survival in adverse conditions. The discovery of Niallia tiangongensis sheds light on these characteristics, which enable the bacterium to thrive in space.
The discovery of Niallia tiangongensis has significant implications for future space missions. It highlights the need for scientists to study microorganisms in space and develop effective sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of microorganisms on extended missions. While it is still unclear whether this bacterium poses a risk to taikonauts, its study will contribute significantly to our understanding of the microbiome in space.
