Viruses appear to be getting stronger in space – and scientists don’t know why
Researchers discover viruses behave differently in space
- A new study has revealed that bacteria-infecting viruses appear to behave differently in space compared to on Earth, with infection being slowed.
- Researchers compared E. coli bacteria infected with T7 phages on the International Space Station (ISS) and on Earth, observing fundamental alterations in these interactions under microgravity.
- Genome sequencing showed significant differences in genetic mutations between the space and terrestrial samples, with space phages developing specific mutations that boosted their infectivity.
- E. coli aboard the ISS also accumulated mutations, enhancing their protection against phages and improving their survival success in near-weightless conditions.
- These findings offer new insights into microbial adaptation, with potential relevance for both space exploration and human health, including the engineering of phages against drug-resistant pathogens.