Viruses get stronger in space

Posted on September 25, 2007
Filed Under Science |

A study performed by Arizona State University scientists and reported on CBC revealed that Earth-born viruses have a tendency to get nastier when flown into space. The experiment was performed simultaneously on board the Space Shuttle orbiting the Earth and on the planet’s surface at Kennedy Space Center. The scientists used the Salmonella typhimurium bacteria chiefly responsible for food poisoning illnesses. When the bacteria was returned to Earth,

the researchers examined the salmonella’s gene and protein expression patterns, and their effect on virulence. Compared to the Earth-bound bacteria, the space-traveling Salmonella had changed expression of 167 genes.

After the bacteria returned to Earth, the researchers examined the salmonella’s gene and protein expression patterns, and their effect on virulence. Compared to the Earth-bound bacteria, the space-traveling Salmonella had changed expression of 167 genes.

That’s nasty. To me this sounds like they really have to be careful once the space tourism industry takes off. I wouldn’t be very happy if a space tourist comes back with a virus that is stronger and more virulent than anything on the planet. I guess there is good reason why NASA quarantines astronauts for a while after their return to our beautiful planet.

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