Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32614: Tiny Microbes, Big Impact: Exploring Microbial Behavior in Space

Microbes might be small, but they are incredibly powerful—and not just on Earth. The University Research Centers - Microbial - 1 experiment, led by Dr. Olufisayo Jejelowo and conducted aboard the ISS, investigates how microbes respond to the unique environment of microgravity. The experiment is a collaboration between Texas Southern University and BioServe Space Technologies, and it provides insights critical for long-term space missions.

Microorganisms play essential roles in both health and ecosystems. However, in space, their behavior changes. Some become more virulent, while others grow more slowly or resist antibiotics. Understanding why this happens is key to keeping astronauts safe and maintaining life support systems on spacecraft.

By cultivating different strains of bacteria in orbit and comparing them with Earth-grown controls, scientists can track genetic and biochemical changes. These findings inform space medicine, biocontrol strategies, and even have applications on Earth—such as in hospitals, food safety, and biotechnology.

This experiment also empowers underrepresented universities to contribute to space science, opening doors for students and researchers who may otherwise have limited access to such programs. It’s a shining example of how inclusive research can yield groundbreaking results.

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