A Jordanian scientist confirms the ability of bacteria to survive and thrive in space | Science

A Jordanian scientist has confirmed that he has obtained surprising early results that indicate the ability of microorganisms to withstand the space environment and their ability to survive and thrive after being exposed to that harsh environment.

Last April, the University of Yarmouk in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan successfully launched a space balloon carrying microbial specimens 32.5 km above sea level. Gravity, in collaboration with the British KSF Space Foundation.

Space capsule aircraft

Al Jazeera Net has been pursuing this research work since its inception in a report released last year. According to the research project, some specimens of microorganisms (bacterial strains that do not cause disease in humans) with scientifically defined and genetically modified information were prepared and uploaded in the research project laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Yarmouk. Professor Dr. Hanan Issa Malkawi, Project Manager and Principal Researcher, revealed the bacterial species and their genetic makeup in a space capsule (by the KSF Space Foundation) in a controlled environment.

The space capsule is a compact unit with life support systems, where the microbes are protected from most of the harsh conditions of exposure other than “microgravity”, so the physiological changes of the microbes at cellular levels or genetics are largely due to the effect of the microgravity.

According to Professor Malkov, the space capsule – which carried samples of bacteria and genetic material isolated from these samples – was launched from the United Kingdom into space, where it reached altitude above the atmosphere and the first layer in low orbit.

He pointed out that the capsule returned to Earth one day after launch and that these biological samples were examined and analyzed in a research laboratory at the University of Yarmouk immediately after takeoff.

Promotes early results

Preliminary results obtained indicate the ability of these microorganisms to withstand extreme zero-gravity conditions in the space environment, their growth and reproduction. Extensive and precise analysis of the many stages of the behavior of living bacterial cells and their genetic makeup, which was isolated from them after launch into the space capsule, and their subsequent emergence into space and return to Earth.

Professor Malkavi and his research team are currently studying these bacterial specimens in the laboratory, conducting physiological studies to determine their potential for growth, and analyzing their DNA to determine the types of mutations generated at the genetic level after exposure to zero gravitational conditions. In space.

Dr. Malkawi says – in a statement via Al Jazeera Net social media – “Microbes are an integral part of space travel, often associated with space technology, such as ships and space stations or astronauts’ clothing or modified organic materials, even inside the bodies of astronauts.” Is called.

The Jordanian scientist, who is a Jordanian scientist, and his research team have obtained surprising early results that indicate the ability of microorganisms to withstand the space environment and the ability to survive and thrive after being exposed to harsh environments.

The research team is currently seeking to document and publish all research results in the International Journal of Science after completing a detailed study and reviewing the study results.

The importance of this project

The results of this research are expected to help understand how body forces affect microorganisms at the cellular, molecular, and evolutionary levels, which could lead to future studies of other organisms, including plants, animals, and humans.

Commenting on the scientific significance of the project, Professor Malkawi told Al Jazeera Net – “Understanding how these microbes adapt to space conditions will enable members to develop strategies to mitigate the risks to staff health caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Immunodeficiency and other issues.” Health “.

“Understanding how space conditions alter microbial processes in industrially important microorganisms will provide us with information on how to genetically modify these microorganisms to effectively produce important beneficial compounds,” he adds.

Malkavi added, “We are doing scientific research to answer a number of questions, including: Do we explore space with microbes? Do these creatures adapt to harsh space conditions, especially in the absence of gravity, as well as humans? Do these organisms change? Are they highly malignant and pathogenic during operation?” “Finally, do such adaptations or genetically modified organisms have practical benefits for mankind?”

Supporting application research in space

Professor Hanan Isa Malkawi is currently working in the field of life sciences at Yarmouth University and holds a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Biology and a Masters in Bacteriology and Public Health from Washington State University.

It distinguishes research achievements in biotechnology and nanotechnology and its applications in medicine, environment, agriculture, food and industry, and has more than 70 researches published in prestigious international journals and numerous patents.