Microorganisms aboard the ISS are subjected to a hostile environment, including reduced water and nutrient supplies, high radiation levels, and microgravity.

But despite the grim conditions, the bacteria developed new genes related to peptide synthesis (the rebuilding and repairing of damaged cells) and membrane transport, which regulates the passage of small molecules, absent in their Earth-bound relatives.

Publishing their groundbreaking research in the journal Microbiome, the scientists from Poland’s Małopolska Center of Biotechnology, Sano – Center for Computational Medicine, and partners from NASA and Turkey said: “Our findings indicate that the microorganisms isolated from ISS we studied have adapted to life in space.”

They added that the bacteria developed traits helping them with “the management of hypoosmotic stress related to microgravity… increased DNA repair activity to counteract heightened radiation exposure, and the presence of mobile genetic elements enhancing metabolism.”

According to the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology: “This research not only has the potential to improve the health of astronauts in challenging space environments but also offers a chance to create innovative therapies for humans, helping to combat resistant infections and contribute to new strategies for treating infectious diseases.

“Learning the secrets of microbial adaptation is the key to how humans can survive on Mars or other planets.”