Scientists have successfully identified unknown microbes in space

Scientists have successfully identified unknown microbes in space

NASA's microbiologist and Genes chief researcher at Space-3Cara Wallace (left), and microbiologist Sarah Star (right) view a sample in the laboratory of the H. Johnson

The ability to identify microbes in real time aboard the ISS without being sent to Earth would be revolutionary for microbiology and space exploration. Fortunately, the Genes group in Space-3 made it a reality this year, when scientists completed the first stage of sampling at the space station.

The ability to recognize microbes in space will help diagnose and treat astronauts' diseases in real time, as well as identify life based on DNA in foreign worlds. In addition, it will significantly contribute to the development of other experiments in the laboratories of the ISS. Microbial identification involves isolating the DNA of samples, creating multiple copies, which are then recognized.

The study was divided into two parts: the collection of samples of microbes and amplification using polymerase chain reaction, and then sequencing and identification. Astronaut Peggy Whitson performed an experiment on the orbital station with microbiologist Sarah Wallace, who was observing her from Houston.

As part of the experiment, Petri plates touched various surfaces of the station. A week later, Whitson transferred growing bacterial colonies to miniature tubes, which she had never done before in space.

Once the cells were successfully harvested, it was time to isolate the DNA and prepare for sequencing, which made it possible to identify unknown organisms — another new event for space microbiology.

During the period of the experiment had to face difficulties. Hurricane interfered with communication and Whitson could not tell what was happening. Therefore, while on Earth struggling with nature, Wallace and Whitson made history.

Scientists have successfully identified unknown microbes in space

Astronaut Peggy Whitson conducted a Genes study in Space-3 on the ISS using a pre-developed mini-RCR

After receiving the data, the researchers were able to conduct an analysis. The information looks like graphs that need to be translated into As, Gs, Cs, and Ts. We are talking about adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine - 4 bases that make up each strand of DNA. The final stages of the tests were completed in ground laboratories, which helped confirm the findings from the space station. For maximum accuracy, the analysis was performed many times.

Scientists have successfully identified unknown microbes in space

The Genes team in Space-3 continued to work for the duration of Hurricane Harvey to support an operation on the ISS. Pictured: Aaron Burton, Kristen John, Sarah Stahl, and Sarah Wallace, watching astronaut Peggy Whitson executing commands during the first part of the study.

Responsible for the research is the Center for the Development of Science in Space. It is worth noting that PCR was first used in space for DNA amplification, and sequences were studied with MinION.

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