A new study reveals the surprising discovery of 26 new bacterial species thriving within NASA cleanrooms. These specialized facilities, designed to maintain ultra-low levels of dust and microorganisms for spacecraft assembly, have become unexpected havens for resilient life forms.
Scientists analyzed microorganisms from cleanrooms used to prepare the Phoenix Mars lander. The research, conducted by teams from NASA and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, found that many of these new species possess genes that make them resistant to decontamination and radiation.
"We are unraveling the mysteries of microbes that withstand the extreme conditions of space," said Kasthuri Venkateswaran, retired senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. According to the study, these organisms have the potential to revolutionize the life sciences, bioengineering, and interplanetary exploration.
These previously unknown species carry genetic traits associated with resilience to extreme environments. Some of the discovered genes were associated with DNA repair, the detoxification of harmful molecules, and improved metabolism, all of which increased the species' survivability.
Scientists believe these genes could lead to new biotechnologies benefiting food preservation and medicine. "These findings not only raise important considerations for planetary protection but also open the door for biotechnological innovation," said Junia Schultz, a postdoctoral fellow at KAUST.
"Space travel provides an opportunity to study microorganisms that possess relevant stress-resistance genes," Schultz added. The genes identified in these newly discovered bacterial species could be engineered for applications in medicine, food preservation, and other industries.