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Scientists discover 26 new microbe species in NASA spacecraft facility

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Phoenix Mars Lander from NASA is undergoing test before its launch in August 2007. Credit

Life, as they say, you find a way – even in the most sterile places on Earth.

NASA scholars Jet Payment Laboratory (JPL) in southern California, along with researchers in India and Saudi Arabia, discovered 26 bacterial species unknown in the clean rooms that were used to prepare NASA Phoenix Mars Lander For its launch August 2007.

Clean rooms Environments that are controlled intensively are contaminated specifically to prevent microbial life from raising the passengers to space. But some microorganisms, known as the name ExtremophilesShow impressive flexibility in the unending environments, whether this is the space vacuum, Water thermal openings On the slopes of volcanoes under the sea, or even clean rooms NASA.

Alexander Rosado, a researcher at King Abdullah University, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said, ” statement.

“This effort is a pivotal control of risk Microbi pollution “Protection against colonialism is not intended to explore the planets,” he added.

These harsh microbes may also offer visions that can benefit life land. Scientists have conducted genetic research on the samples collected from the NASA dangerous service facility Kennedy Space Center In Florida, one of the last Phoenix stations before its launch from the Cape Capeeral Station for the neighboring space (then known as the Cape Caperaral Air Station).

They found 53 strains who decided to belong to 26 new species. They have dug in the generations of these new hoops, looking for evidence that can help explain their capacity for their extraordinary survival. The keys in genes associated with the repair of DNA, toxins removal from harmful substances and enhanced metabolism may be, according to the team.

“The genes specified in these newly discovered bacterial species can be designed for applications in medicine, food conservation and other industries,” said Junia Schultz, a post -PhD fellow at Kaust.

26 pictures of black and white of bacteria, most of which look like bars

Wiping electronic microscope that shows the new types of microbes that were discovered in a NASA clean room used for the Phoenix March mission. | Credit: microbium (2025). DOI: 10.1186/S40168-025-02082-1

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Of course, research in NASA will help improve clean room protocols to reduce the risk of biological pollution in future missions.

“Together Microbium.

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