Adaptation to space conditions of novel bacterial species isolated from the International Space Station revealed by functional gene annotations and comparative genome analysis.

Background: The extreme environment of the International Space Station (ISS) puts selective pressure on microorganisms unintentionally introduced during its 20+ years of service as a low-orbit science platform and human habitat. Such pressure leads to the development of new features not found in the Earth-bound relatives, which enable them to adapt to unfavorable conditions.

Results: In this study, we generated the functional annotation of the genomes of five newly identified species of Gram-positive bacteria, four of which are non-spore-forming and one spore-forming, all isolated from the ISS.

Whole-genome sequencing of isolated from the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft assembly facility.

The genome of a spore-forming bacterium isolated from the spacecraft assembly facility of the Phoenix mission, was generated via hybrid assembly by merging short and long reads. Examining this genome may shed light on strategies to minimize the risk of contaminating extraterrestrial environments with Earth-based microorganisms.

Analysis of Microbiomes from Ultra-Low Biomass Surfaces Using Novel Surface Sampling and Nanopore Sequencing.

The rapid assessment of microbiomes from ultra-low biomass environments such as cleanrooms or hospital operating rooms has a number of applications for human health and spacecraft manufacturing. Current techniques often employ lengthy protocols using short-read DNA sequencing technology to analyze amplified DNA and have the disadvantage of a longer analysis time and lack of portability. Here, we demonstrate a rapid (~24 hours) on-site nanopore-based sequencing approach to characterize the microbiome of a NASA Class 100K cleanroom where spacecraft components are assembled.

Phylogenomics, phenotypic, and functional traits of five novel (Earth-derived) bacterial species isolated from the International Space Station and their prevalence in metagenomes.

With the advent of long-term human habitation in space and on the moon, understanding how the built environment microbiome of space habitats differs from Earth habitats, and how microbes survive, proliferate and spread in space conditions, is becoming more important. The microbial tracking mission series has been monitoring the microbiome of the International Space Station (ISS) for almost a decade. During this mission series, six unique strains of Gram-stain-positive bacteria, including two spore-forming and three non-spore-forming species, were isolated from the environmental surfaces of the ISS.

Phylogenetic affiliations and genomic characterization of novel bacterial species and their abundance in the International Space Station.

Background: With the advent of long-term human habitation in space and on the moon, understanding how the built environment microbiome of space habitats differs from Earth habits, and how microbes survive, proliferate and spread in space conditions, is coming more and more important. The Microbial Tracking mission series has been monitoring the microbiome of the International Space Station (ISS) for almost a decade. During this mission series, six unique strains of Gram-positive bacteria, including two spore-forming and three non-spore-forming species, were isolated from the environmental surfaces of the International Space Station (ISS).

Comparative genomic analysis of sp. nov. isolated from the International Space Station.

A single strain from the family was isolated from the wall behind the Waste Hygiene Compartment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in April 2018, as part of the Microbial Tracking mission series. This strain was identified as a gram-positive, rod-shaped, oxidase-positive, catalase-negative motile bacterium in the genus , designated as F6_2S_P_1. The 16S sequence of the F6_2S_P_1 strain places it in a clade with and , which were originally isolated from plant tissue or rhizosphere environments.

Description and Genome Characterization of Three Novel Fungal Strains Isolated from Mars 2020 Mission-Associated Spacecraft Assembly Facility Surfaces-Recommendations for Two New Genera and One Species.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) spacecraft assembly facilities are monitored for the presence of any bacteria or fungi that might conceivably survive a transfer to an extraterrestrial environment. Fungi present a broad and diverse range of phenotypic and functional traits to adapt to extreme conditions, hence the detection of fungi and subsequent eradication of them are needed to prevent forward contamination for future NASA missions. During the construction and assembly for the Mars 2020 mission, three fungal strains with unique morphological and phylogenetic properties were isolated from spacecraft assembly facilities.

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter pittii is adapting to and exhibiting potential succession aboard the International Space Station.

Background: Monitoring the adaptation of microorganisms to the extreme environment of the International Space Station (ISS) is crucial to understanding microbial evolution and infection prevention. Acinetobacter pittii is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen, primarily impacting immunocompromised patients, that was recently isolated from two missions aboard the ISS.

Results: Here, we report how ISS-associated A.

Draft Genome Sequences of Fungi Isolated from Mars 2020 Spacecraft Assembly Facilities.

During the Mars 2020 mission, several fungal strains were isolated from surfaces where spacecraft components were assembled. Draft genome sequencing and characterization will help identify the genes responsible for radiation resistance, supporting the development of countermeasures to prevent fungal contamination of extraterrestrial environments.

Microbial Burden Estimation of Food Items, Built Environments, and the International Space Station Using Film Media.

The use of film media involves considerably less preparation, waste, and incubator space than conventional agar-media-based assays and has proven in past studies to provide counts of cultivable microbes similar to those of traditional agar media. Film media also have the advantage of allowing sample volumes similar to those used in pour plates and, therefore, are well-suited for cultivable microbial counts in extremely low-biomass environments such as clean rooms or space habitats, particularly where the subsequent isolation of colonies is necessary. As the preparation of film media plates relies on water cohesion/adhesion rather than manual spreading, they may have future applications in low- or microgravity settings.

Draft Genome Sequences of Fungi Isolated from the International Space Station during the Microbial Tracking-2 Experiment.

As part of the Microbial Tracking-2 study, 94 fungal strains were isolated from surfaces on the International Space Station, and whole-genome sequences were assembled. Characterization of these draft genomes will allow evaluation of microgravity adaption, risks to human health and spacecraft functioning, and biotechnological applications of fungi.

Draft Genome Sequences of Various Bacterial Phyla Isolated from the International Space Station.

Whole-genome sequences were generated from 96 bacterial strains of 14 species that were isolated from International Space Station surfaces during the Microbial Tracking 2 study. Continued characterization of this closed habitat's microbiome enables tracking of the spread and evolution of secondary pathogens, which is vital for astronaut health.

Social problem solving, social cognition, and mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Cognitive impairment is a recognized feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), which, even if mild, can impact some aspects of a patient's ability to deal with everyday life. The current study examined the ability to solve social problems in three groups of participants: PD patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI); PD patients with no evidence of cognitive impairment (PD-N); and non-PD age-matched controls. All participants completed measures examining their ability to understand the actions and sarcastic remarks of others; provide a range of, and select, optimal solutions to social problems; and their self-perception of problem-solving abilities.