Do you know there is space bacteria and its name is Niallia tiangongensis? Well, there is and it was found by scientists from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group in the Tiangong Space Station. This Niallia tiangongensis bacteria has never been seen before, which led the China Manned Space Agency to think this discovery will be crucial for studies on Earth.
We have seen many discoveries in space, but this is the first time we heard of a space bacteria which is similar to one from our planet. How amazing is that? The connection between Earth and other places in outer space is getting closer with time.
So, let’s see what this Niallia tiangongensis bacteria is and what it means for the future.
The Niallia tiangongensis bacteria
This easy name is how the bacteria found in space was named. A group of Chinese scientists, from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Agency, were working at the Tiangong Space Station and they found out a new bacteria, which has never been known before.
The Niallia tiangongensis comes from a strain of a bacteria on Earth and it developed unique features in space. It is true that every strain has the same qualities, but they each develop different special ones in order to survive in other environments. For example, this new bacteria in space has developed the quality of surviving radiation, which destroys other bacteria strains.
The special qualities of the new space bacteria
As we mentioned before, the Niallia tiangongensis has developed special qualities in order to survive in space. So, we need to know what those specific qualities are to better understand why this is so important.
This strain is able to survive radiation which can destroy every living thing and this bacteria can also combat oxidative stress. Yes, bacteria also have stress! Well, not really, this means that the Niallia tiangongensis can’t be damaged by harmful substances.
This bacteria is considered very resistant because it can fix itself in cas it is damaged, it is the Wolverine of bacteria.
Why do scientists study bacteria in space?
Life in space is very tricky, that’s why scientists are so interested in understanding how bacteria behave there and what benefits they might have.
The fact that astronauts know how bacteria act is a savior for them because these bacteria could harm their health and their spaceships. What’s more, this study on space bacteria is important to be closer to questions like if there is life on Mars.
Benefits on Earth
Thanks to this new strain scientists can improve different aspects for us, human beings. The Niallia tiangongensis is an open window for developing new medicine that will have the same features as this strain, protecting our cells from radiation and stress. Also, hospitals and laboratories could have a better defense towards resistant microorganisms.
Can you imagine how safe we would be thanks to this new strain? I mean important buildings where our lives can be saved will be in better conditions regarding harmful substances.
China Manned Space Agency take on this discovery
They were very surprised by this new bacteria and this led them to believe it will be the beginning of a lot of studies to investigate out and inside our planet.
For example, learn more about the microbial activity in space, find out about genetics and bacteria behaviour, and more studies on medicine, biotechnology and space.
The Niallia tiangongensis is considered a new opportunity for scientists to develop further theories about space and planet Earth. The outer space is such a mysterious place and concept that every research and discovery is a glimmer of light for all the big questions about how the universe works.