Bacteria in Space Evolve in Ways Not Observed on Earth

Bacteria in space, especially aboard the International Space Station (ISS), are not only surviving but also evolving in ways that differ from their Earth-bound counterparts. This evolution has prompted researchers to study these changes to understand their potential impact on astronaut health and future space missions.

Unlike the sterile environments often depicted in space movies, the ISS is a living space teeming with microbial life. Despite extensive cleaning protocols, bacteria are still brought to the ISS by astronauts and their equipment. Once in space, these bacteria adapt to the unique conditions of microgravity and radiation, leading to new patterns of microbial evolution.

Recent Research Highlights Bacterial Adaptation in Space

A recent study led by Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, funded by an Ames Space Biology grant, focused on bacteria evolving in space. Published in the journal Microbiome, the study tracked strains of Enterobacter bugandensis aboard the ISS.

Five strains of E. bugandensis were first identified on the space station in 2018. The latest research shows that these strains have since evolved into 13 distinct forms.

Evolution of Bacteria in Space Shows Significant Changes

The researchers observed that the space-adapted strains of E. bugandensis have developed genetic and functional differences from their Earth-based relatives. The study identified genes unique to the bacteria associated with the ISS.

Understanding these bacterial adaptations is crucial for safeguarding astronaut health, as it provides insights into how microbes evolve in space environments.

Implications for Astronaut Health and Space Exploration

NASA noted that E. bugandensis, known for its resistance to multiple drugs, has managed to persist and thrive in the ISS environment. The bacterium coexists with various other microorganisms and may even influence their survival.

These findings are important for developing strategies to protect astronauts from evolving microbial threats as they live and work in space.