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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Exploring the Effects of Spaceflight on Mouse Physiology using the Open Access NASA GeneLab Platform
Published on: January 13, 2019
[Biological effects of space flight on several opportunistic pathogenic bacteria and biodestructive fungi]
Qiong Xie1, Yong-zhi Li, Hong-zhi Shi
1Institute of Space Medico-Engineering, Beijing, China.
Objective:
To investigate biological effects of space flight on several conditional pathogenic bacteria and biodestructive fungi.
Method:
Several potentially pathogenic or biodegrading microorganisms, including bacteria, actinomyces and fungi, were carried on-board spacecraft for 7 d. Some of the biological characteristics were studied by using general microbial test technology after recovery.
Result:
In space condition, survival and growth rate were promoted, and soluble pigments were produced, while morphological properties were changed differently. The antibiotic-sensitivity of certain strains decreased, while most of them showed no changes.
Conclusion:
The reproduction ability and growth rate of these microorganisms are promoted after being carried into space, and morphological differentiation increase. The resistance to antibiotics is stable.
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