“天宫”添新客！空间站发现微生物新物种 期待探索更多太空生物奥秘

Core Insights - A new microbial species named "Tiangong Nier" has been discovered in China's space station, marking a significant achievement in space microbiology research [1][4] - The discovery was made during the Shenzhou 15 mission, where astronauts conducted experiments on microbial samples collected from the station [4][21] Discovery Process - The discovery of Tiangong Nier was supported by the space station engineering technology test project, focusing on the dynamic changes and safety control of environmental microorganisms during long-term operations [3] - Astronauts utilized sterile sampling wipes to collect microbial samples from the station's surfaces, which were then analyzed on the ground, leading to the identification of the new species [4] Characteristics of Tiangong Nier - Tiangong Nier is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium belonging to the genus Nier, exhibiting exceptional adaptability to space environments [7] - It demonstrates remarkable pressure resistance and can regulate the biosynthesis of bacterial thiols to cope with oxidative stress in space [7] - The bacterium also shows unique features in biofilm formation and radiation damage repair, earning it the title of a "hexagonal warrior" in the microbial world [5][7] Microbial Sources in Space Station - Microorganisms in the space station primarily originate from four sources: astronauts, materials and equipment used in construction, ground assembly and testing phases, and visiting spacecraft [11][13][15][17] - The presence of microorganisms is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem in space, which is essential for the long-term survival of humans [18] Importance of Microbial Research - Conducting microbial sampling in the space station is vital for ensuring astronaut health and the stability of onboard systems [20] - Research on microbial corrosion is ongoing, with experiments being conducted on the interaction between various materials and microorganisms [21]