Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30902: Uncovering Bacterial Evolution in Space: The Genes in Space-11 Mission

Genes in Space-11 ventured into a unique scientific frontier: understanding how bacteria adapt and evolve in the microgravity environment of space. This student-led project, created by Isabel Jiang and guided by mentors at Harvard and miniPCR bio, aimed to examine how spaceflight affects bacterial DNA and genetic adaptation.

In space, environmental stressors like radiation and weightlessness can drive rapid changes in microbial genomes. Genes in Space-11 focused on a key bacterial response system that gets activated under stress—known as the SOS response. By studying this genetic mechanism aboard the ISS, researchers hoped to learn how bacteria might evolve differently in space versus on Earth.

Using the miniPCR tool, astronauts analyzed gene expression in E. coli samples subjected to simulated damage. The goal was to determine whether the SOS pathway is more active in microgravity, and what that means for long-duration space missions where microbial resistance can pose serious health risks.

The outcomes from Genes in Space-11 could help in designing better microbial monitoring systems and antibiotic treatments for space habitats. It also underlined how high school students can make meaningful contributions to critical space health questions.

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