Unknown micro-organisms found in space by astronauts

Washington, January 2: Have you heard of microbes been found in space? Yes you hard it right! Astronauts have identified microbes in space for the first time which needs not be send to Earth for undergoing test. The International Space Station has identified microbes on space which can help the astronauts to diagnose and treat ailments in space in no time.

 

It will also help to identify DNA in different planets. Identification of these microbes involves separating the DNA of samples and the making copies of those samples that can be later be sequenced or identified. The study was divided into two parts. The first part being the collection of microbial samples and increasing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the later part comprises of sequencing and identifying the microbes.

This process was conducted by NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson along with her team and while studying the new innovation she transferred cells from growing bacterial colonies on those plates into miniature test tubes which was never done in space before. Once the DNA was collected they then started the process of identifying and amplification of the cells.

The MinION device was used to sequence the amplified DNA. For analyzing and identification the sample were sent to Houston. After the completion of the test, Researchers conducted other multiple tests to confirm the accuracy and the tests were accurate.

This will also help the astronauts to identify microbes in space and also benefit them in other experiments in the orbit.