A new study by NASA and the German Aerospace Center published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology has revealed that one microbe found on the International Space Station, known as the black mold Aspergillus niger, could regenerate. According to the study, many of the microbes found on Earth may not be temporarily living on the surface of Mars. As part of the study, the researchers tested the stability of microorganisms to Martian conditions by launching them into the stratosphere. The study helps to understand the potential danger posed by microbes to space missions. It will also be helpful in understanding the potential for resource independence from Earth.
Testing for bacterias
Marta Filipa Cortesao, the first author of the study from the German Aerospace Center, said, “We successfully tested a new way of exposing bacteria and fungi to Mars-like conditions using a scientific balloon to fly our experimental equipment. up to the Earth’s stratosphere. Some microbes, especially spores from the black mold fungus, were able to survive during the trip, even when exposed to very high ultraviolet (UV) radiation. ”When looking for side life Outdoors, scientists need to be sure of anything they find.
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Various features of the environment can be found at the Martian surface on Earth. However, the conditions are very similar. Cortesao explained that the team of scientists launched microbes into the stratosphere within the MARSBOx (Microbes in Atmosphere for Radiation, Survival and Biological Results) charge test. It was held at Martian pressure and filled with a Martian artificial feel throughout the run. He said, “There were two rows of samples in the box, with the folding down under radiation”.
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This helped the researchers to separate the effects of radiation from the other conditions tested, including, desiccation, atmosphere and temperature change during the flight. Also, the samples of high layers were exposed to more than a thousand times more UV radiation than the levels our skin could sunburn. First author Katharina Siems, also based at the German Aerospace Center, said, “With long-term crew missions to Mars, we need to know how human-related microorganisms survive on the Red Planet, as some may pose a health hazard to astronauts. In addition, some microbes may be extremely useful for place study. They could help us produce food and supplies independently of the Earth, which will be vital when they are far away from home ”.
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