Scientists discover unknown bacteria in space

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown bacterium aboard China’s Tiangong space station.

Although the microbe appears to originate from Earth, researchers observed that it has adapted to survive in the unique and harsh environment of space.

One notable adaptation is the bacterium’s ability to consume gelatin in order to produce a protective biofilm, which may help it endure space-related stress.

The newly identified species has been named Niallia tiangongensis, but it remains unclear whether it poses any threat to human health.

The discovery was made using samples collected in 2023 by astronauts from the Shenzhou-15 mission. Upon analysis, scientists found that the bacterium closely resembles other Niallia species typically found in soil on Earth.

(QG - Source: The Daily Space  — Picture : © Unsplash)