A recent NASA study has revealed a startling discovery aboard the International Space Station (ISS): mutant bacteria that defy earthly norms. The findings, published in the journal Microbiome, detail how strains of drug-resistant Enterobacter bugandensis bacteria have evolved into forms unseen on Earth.

Researchers from the Jet Propulsion Lab found that these ISS-isolated strains underwent genetic and functional mutations under stress, leading them to become distinct from their terrestrial counterparts. Remarkably, these mutated bacteria not only survived but thrived aboard the ISS, coexisting with other microorganisms and even aiding their survival in some cases.

The study, part of NASA's second microbial tracking mission, involved the isolation of 13 distinct strains of E. bugandensis from various locations within the space station. This research sheds light on the unique challenges faced by microorganisms in closed human-built environments like the ISS, where factors such as microgravity, radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels create extreme conditions.

What's concerning is that these mutant bacteria exhibited increased drug resistance, joining the ranks of pathogens known for their formidable resistance to antimicrobial treatments. Despite the potential health implications for astronauts, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of pathogen evolution and aids in developing strategies to maintain health in space.

For those of us on Earth, this discovery serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our planet and the fortunate circumstances that allow us to avoid the challenges posed by mutated terrestrial germs in the vast expanse of space.

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