Viruses that evolved on the space station and were sent back to Earth were more effective at killing bacteria
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- A study aboard the International Space Station (ISS) found that microgravity alters the evolutionary dynamics between bacteria (E. coli) and infecting viruses called phages, slowing the infection process but driving phages to become more efficient at binding to bacteria.
- Genetic analysis revealed unique mutations in both bacteria and phages in space, with phages developing enhanced infection capabilities and bacteria evolving new defenses, differing significantly from Earth-based samples.
- Space-adapted phages demonstrated increased effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains causing urinary tract infections on Earth, suggesting potential for improved phage therapies derived from microgravity conditions.
- Researchers believe understanding phage evolution in microgravity could inform the development of new treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections on Earth and
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