Prospective Approach to Deciphering the Impact of Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer from Human Neural Stem Cells and Brain Tumor-Initiating Cells to Neighboring Astrocytes.

The communication between neural stem cells (NSCs) and surrounding astrocytes is essential for the homeostasis of the NSC niche. Intercellular mitochondrial transfer, a unique communication system that utilizes the formation of tunneling nanotubes for targeted mitochondrial transfer between donor and recipient cells, has recently been identified in a wide range of cell types. Intercellular mitochondrial transfer has also been observed between different types of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their neighboring cells, including brain CSCs and astrocytes.

Geographic and Ecological Diversity of Green Sulfur Bacteria in Hot Spring Mat Communities.

Three strains of thermophilic green sulfur bacteria (GSB) are known; all are from microbial mats in hot springs in Rotorua, New Zealand (NZ) and belong to the species . Here, we describe diverse populations of GSB inhabiting Travel Lodge Spring (TLS) (NZ) and hot springs ranging from 36.1 °C to 51.

Hyperparasitism and the evolution of parasite virulence.

Hyperparasites (species which parasitize other parasites) are common in natural populations, affecting many parasitic taxa, including: eukaryotic parasites; bacterial and fungal pathogens. Hyperparasitism is therefore likely to shape the ecology and evolution of many host-parasite systems, representing a promising method for biocontrol (e.g.

Characterization of metagenome-assembled genomes from the International Space Station.

Background: Several investigations on the microbial diversity and functional properties of the International Space Station (ISS) environment were carried out to understand the influence of spaceflight conditions on the microbial population. However, metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of ISS samples are yet to be generated and subjected to various genomic analyses, including phylogenetic affiliation, predicted functional pathways, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence characteristics.

Results: In total, 46 MAGs were assembled from 21 ISS environmental metagenomes, in which metaSPAdes yielded 20 MAGs and metaWRAP generated 26 MAGs.

Metagenomic Methods for Addressing NASA's Planetary Protection Policy Requirements on Future Missions: A Workshop Report.

Molecular biology methods and technologies have advanced substantially over the past decade. These new molecular methods should be incorporated among the standard tools of planetary protection (PP) and could be validated for incorporation by 2026. To address the feasibility of applying modern molecular techniques to such an application, NASA conducted a technology workshop with private industry partners, academics, and government agency stakeholders, along with NASA staff and contractors.

Multi-faceted metagenomic analysis of spacecraft associated surfaces reveal planetary protection relevant microbial composition.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been monitoring the microbial burden of spacecraft since the 1970's Viking missions. Originally culture-based and then focused 16S sequencing techniques were used, but we have now applied whole metagenomic sequencing to a variety of cleanroom samples at the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), including the Spacecraft Assembly Facility (SAF) with the goals of taxonomic identification and for functional assignment. Our samples included facility pre-filters, cleanroom vacuum debris, and surface wipes.

Machine learning algorithm to characterize antimicrobial resistance associated with the International Space Station surface microbiome.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has a detrimental impact on human health on Earth and it is equally concerning in other environments such as space habitat due to microgravity, radiation and confinement, especially for long-distance space travel. The International Space Station (ISS) is ideal for investigating microbial diversity and virulence associated with spaceflight. The shotgun metagenomics data of the ISS generated during the Microbial Tracking-1 (MT-1) project and resulting metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) across three flights in eight different locations during 12 months were used in this study.

The Isolation and Characterization of Rare Mycobiome Associated With Spacecraft Assembly Cleanrooms.

Ensuring biological cleanliness while assembling and launching spacecraft is critical for robotic exploration of the solar system. To date, when preventing forward contamination of other celestial bodies, NASA Planetary Protection policies have focused on endospore-forming bacteria while fungi were neglected. In this study, for the first time the mycobiome of two spacecraft assembly facilities at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) was assessed using both cultivation and sequencing techniques.

Effects of duty cycles on passive acoustic monitoring of southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) occurrence and behavior.

Long-term passive acoustic monitoring of cetaceans is frequently limited by the data storage capacity and battery life of the recording system. Duty cycles are a mechanism for subsampling during the recording process that facilitates long-term passive acoustic studies. While duty cycles are often used, there has been little investigation on the impact that this approach has on the ability to answer questions about a species' behavior and occurrence.

Sirt6 regulates lifespan in .

Sirt6 is a multifunctional enzyme that regulates diverse cellular processes such as metabolism, DNA repair, and aging. Overexpressing Sirt6 extends lifespan in mice, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are unclear. are an excellent model to study genetic regulation of lifespan; however, despite extensive study in mammals, very little is known about Sirt6 function in flies.

Genomic Characterization of Potential Plant Growth-Promoting Features of Strains Isolated from the International Space Station.

In an ongoing microbial tracking investigation of the International Space Station (ISS), several strains were isolated. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, phylogenetic analysis identified the ISS strains as Sphingomonas sanguinis ( = 2) and one strain isolated from the Kennedy Space Center cleanroom (used to assemble various Mars mission spacecraft components) as Sphingomonas paucimobilis. Metagenomic sequence analyses of different ISS locations identified 23 species.

Performance of Multiple Metagenomics Pipelines in Understanding Microbial Diversity of a Low-Biomass Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

NASA planetary protection (PP) requires an assessment of the biological contamination of the potential microbial burden on spacecraft destined to explore planetary bodies that may harbor signs of life, like Mars and Europa. To help meet these goals, the performance of multiple metagenomic pipelines were compared and assessed for their ability to detect microbial diversity of a low-biomass clean room environment used to build spacecraft destined to these planetary bodies. Four vendors were chosen to implement their own metagenomic analysis pipeline on the shotgun sequences retrieved from environmental surfaces in the relevant environments at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Reducing vessel noise increases foraging in endangered killer whales.

Disturbance from underwater noise is one of the primary threats to the critically endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKWs). Previous studies have demonstrated that SRKWs spend less time feeding when vessels are present. In 2018, we measured the effects of a voluntary vessel slowdown action in SRKW critical habitat to assess whether ship speed (and related source level) affects foraging behaviour.

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 Heat Shock-Tolerant Microbes Isolated from a Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

Heat shock-tolerant microorganisms belonging to the orders and were isolated from the Spacecraft Assembly Facility at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and 63 draft genome sequences were assembled and identified. Further analyses of these genomes can provide insight into methods for preventing forward contamination.

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.

Draft Genome Sequences of and Species Isolated from the International Space Station and Crew Resupply Vehicle Capsule.

The draft whole-genome sequences (WGS) of 30 fungal strains isolated from the International Space Station and belonging to the and genera were assembled. The WGS will allow for detailed genomic characterization to determine the possible applications and importance for space and biotechnological industries.

A comprehensive metagenomics framework to characterize organisms relevant for planetary protection.

Background: Clean rooms of the Space Assembly Facility (SAF) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at NASA are the final step of spacecraft cleaning and assembly before launching into space. Clean rooms have stringent methods of air-filtration and cleaning to minimize microbial contamination for exoplanetary research and minimize the risk of human pathogens, but they are not sterile. Clean rooms make a selective environment for microorganisms that tolerate such cleaning methods.

Assessing the Risk of Transfer of Microorganisms at the International Space Station Due to Cargo Delivery by Commercial Resupply Vehicles.

Background: With increasing numbers of interplanetary missions, there is a need to establish robust protocols to ensure the protection of extraterrestrial planets being visited from contamination by terrestrial life forms. The current study is the first report comparing the commercial resupply vehicle (CRV) microbiome with the International Space Station (ISS) microbiome to understand the risks of contamination, thus serving as a model system for future planetary missions.

Results: Samples obtained from the internal surfaces and ground support equipment of three CRV missions were subjected to various molecular techniques for microbial diversity analysis.

Draft Genome Sequences of Strains Isolated from the International Space Station.

The draft genome sequences of 29 bacterial isolates belonging to the family were collected from the International Space Station, assembled, and identified. Further analysis of these sequences will enable us to understand their roles for space and biotechnological applications.

Draft Genome Sequences of Species Isolated from the International Space Station.

Isolated across four locations aboard the International Space Station (ISS), 10 bacterial strains were compared using whole-genome sequencing analysis and were phylogenetically identified as The whole-genome sequences will aid in comparative genomic studies of ISS strains with Earth counterparts to gain insight into their adaptation to space conditions.

End-to-End Protocol for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 from Built Environments.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019, is a respiratory virus primarily transmitted person to person through inhalation of droplets or aerosols, laden with viral particles. However, as recent studies have shown, virions can remain infectious for up to 72 h on surfaces, which can lead to transmission through contact. Thus, a comprehensive study was conducted to determine the efficiency of protocols to recover SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces in built environments.

Description of Chloramphenicol Resistant sp. nov. Isolated From a Spacecraft Assembly Facility.

A Gram-positive, coccoid, motile, aerobic bacterium, designated strain B12 was isolated from a Jet Propulsion Laboratory spacecraft assembly cleanroom, Pasadena, CA, United States. Strain B12 was resistant to chloramphenicol (100 μg/mL), and is a relatively slow grower (3-5 days optimal). Strain B12 was found to grow optimally at 28 to 32°C, pH 7 to 8, and 0.