Alien Dish Serving Fails to Woo Friendships
Chomping on Space Greens? Beware of the Microbial Risks!
Taking a bite of a space salad during your lunar break might not be such a good idea, researchers warn. Scientists found that plants grown in simulated microgravity conditions on Earth struggle to shield themselves from harmful bacteria, potentially making them more susceptible to contaminations like E. coli and Salmonella.
Space lettuce has become a favorite among astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), growing their own greens in the Veggie system. The waters of dehydrated, pre-packaged space foods make the home-grown lettuce an appealing choice for astronauts on longer missions. However, recent research reveals a concerning finding – plants grown in a microgravity environment may have weaker defenses against harmful bacteria.
In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers from the University of Delaware grew plants in a device called a clinostat, which rotates them like a rotisserie chicken. Noah Totsline, who led the investigation, explained that the plants essentially lose their sense of directionality, making it difficult for them to protect themselves from microbial attacks.
The research team discovered that plants grown in simulated microgravity conditions leave their stomata open in the presence of bacteria, making it easier for harmful bacteria to invade leaf tissue.
While this could be a potential risk for astronauts consuming space-grown lettuce, the researchers suggest that genetic modification of the plants could help overcome this issue. For instance, modifying plants to close their stomata in space, or introducing genes that promote beneficial microbial communities could strengthen plant defenses.
Previous research indicates that lettuce grown on the ISS might contain higher levels of bacteria than their Earth-grown counterparts. Still, the Veggie system uses specific techniques such as vacuum-sealed seeds, ceramic soil, and water-wicking mats to counteract the effects of the microgravity environment.
Nevertheless, given the closed-air system of the ISS and the presence of humans, pathogens may still pose a risk to space-grown plants.
Keeping astronauts safe from foodborne illnesses is of utmost importance for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Researchers are already testing different lettuce varieties with different genetics to see how they react in simulated microgravity conditions.
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- The challenges faced by plants grown in microgravity environments, such as reduced defense against harmful bacteria, may pose risks for astronauts consuming space-grown lettuce.
- Researchers have suggested genetic modification as a potential solution to strengthen plant defenses against microbial attacks, for example, modifying plants to close their stomata in space or introducing genes that promote beneficial microbial communities.
- Previous research has indicated that lettuce grown on the ISS could contain higher levels of bacteria compared to their Earth-grown counterparts, but the Veggie system employs specific techniques to counteract the effects of microgravity.
- To ensure astronauts' safety from foodborne illnesses during future missions to space, researchers are testing various lettuce varieties with different genetics to understand their reactions in simulated microgravity conditions.
