I recently had the great honour and privilege of spending an hour chatting with my good friend and collaborator, Dr. Mike Barratt, a NASA astronaut and WEM faculty member whilst he’s stationed at the International Space Station (ISS).
Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, from human performance, sleep, and food (including his view on the world’s best peanut butter) to how the recent solar eclipse looked from space.
More on these fascinating subjects later.
Scientific Research on the ISS
One of the most intriguing topics we discussed, and a significant reason for the station’s existence, is the scientific research being conducted aboard the ISS. Mike provided an excellent overview of the discovery science, also known as exploratory research, that the team is carrying out. This scientific methodology focuses on gathering data and generating insights without a predefined hypothesis.
The Resilience of Bacteria in Space
A particularly astonishing discovery, which I owe a debt of gratitude to astronaut Kjell Lindgren for enlightening me about, is the curious case of bacteria surviving outside the ISS. Despite the harsh conditions of space, including vacuum, microgravity, solar radiation, and extreme temperatures, certain bacteria and microorganisms have been found to endure. This finding underscores the incredible resilience and adaptability of life, even in the most extreme environments.
Some of the key bacterial species found to survive the space environment include:
1. Deinococcus radiodurans: Known for its extraordinary resistance to radiation.
2. Bacillus subtilis: Capable of forming endospores that can withstand extreme conditions.
3. Methylobacterium: In 2021, researchers identified four strains of this bacteria on the ISS, some of which were previously unknown to science. These bacteria are commonly found in soil and freshwater and are associated with plant roots.
Upcoming Space Medicine Module
Mike, who teaches on the MSc in Extreme Medicine at The University of Exeter, will be calling into the WEM Space Medicine Module being held in person in June, presented by myself and Kjell Lindgren. You can reserve your place here.
Mike and Kjell will also be speaking at this year’s World Extreme Medicine Conference.
Implications and Future Research
The discovery of these resilient microorganisms has significant implications for our understanding of life’s adaptability and the potential for life to exist beyond Earth. It also raises important questions about planetary protection and the need to prevent contamination of other celestial bodies during space exploration missions. As Mike and his crew-mates continue their groundbreaking research aboard the ISS, we eagerly await further insights into the mysteries of life in space.
Their dedication and passion for exploration inspire us all to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and to never stop questioning the world around us.
With gratitude,
Mark Hannaford DSc (hc)
Honorary Associate Professor, University of Exeter Medical School
Founder & CEO, World Extreme Medicine
→ You can watch the whole discussion over on Youtube.
→ Sign up to our Space Medicine Module this June.
→ Book tickets to The 2024 World Extreme Medicine Conference.