A new study by NASA has revealed that cleanrooms used to prepare spacecraft for launch are home to a staggering 26 new bacterial species. The discovery has significant implications, as these “extremophile” microorganisms possess genes that make them resistant to decontamination and radiation.
The researchers found that many of the newly discovered species carried genetic traits associated with resilience to extreme environments, such as DNA repair, detoxification of harmful molecules, and improved metabolism. These genes could lead to new biotechnologies in fields like medicine and food preservation.
According to Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a retired senior research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, studying these extremophiles could revolutionize life sciences, bioengineering, and space exploration. The study aims to understand the risk of extremophiles being transferred in space missions and identify which microorganisms might survive the harsh conditions of space.
The discovery has raised concerns about interplanetary contamination, but it also presents an opportunity for biotechnological innovation. Scientists believe that the genes identified in these newly discovered bacterial species could be engineered for applications in medicine, food preservation, and other industries.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/05/19/nasa-cleanrooms-new-bacteria-species/83723220007