Nanobacteria: Astronauts at Highest Risk During Space Missions

NASA researchers announce a potential cause of rapid kidney stone formation in astronauts on space travels. The authors of a study published in Kidney International call for a "Major Initiative" to investigate nanobacteria.
Nanobacteria (NB), a novel self-replicating, mineralizing agent, has been identified by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists as a potential culprit in kidney stone formation among astronauts. With the potential for future exploratory space missions to the moon and Mars, longer missions, and exposure to the elements of outer space, health is a major concern for astronauts.

To further comprehend the implications of NB, trials were conducted at NASA to examine NB, in a bioreactor chamber which simulates conditions of space travel. In this microgravity environment, NB was found to multiply five times faster compared to normal gravity on Earth, supporting earlier discoveries that microbes have radically different behavior in weightless environments. NB is also shown to possibly be an infectious risk for crew members living in close quarters.

"The concept that nanobacteria are living organisms is still controversial because the research on their putative nucleic acid has not been completed yet," states lead researcher Neva Ciftcioglu, Ph.D. However, the group's research provides additional clues to understanding NB and its link to pathologic calcification-related diseases.

"Hopefully, eradication or treatment of these diseases will be possible in the near future. We need more research and support to solve this puzzle, but we feel that we are close," adds Ciftcioglu.

NB was discovered in the 1990s and has been found in the calcium phosphate centers of kidney stones. This novel agent has also been detected in related conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, prostatitis, and some cancers. Further testing for the presence of NB in human bodies can help reduce the risk for kidney stone formation in astronauts and would also be of benefit to the nearly one million Americans who are treated for kidney stones each year.

Source: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Related stories:

A Super Solar Flare
At 11:18 AM on the cloudless morning of Thursday, September 1, 1859, 33-year-old Richard Carrington—widely acknowledged to be one of England's foremost solar astronomers—was in his well-appointed private observatory. Just as usual on every sunny day, his telescope was projecting an 11-inch-wide image of the sun on a screen, and Carrington skillfully drew the sunspots he saw.
To keep fit in space, train like an athlete
If one part of your car isn't properly maintained, it can affect how the entire vehicle runs – especially if you're taking a long trip. The same can be said for the human body. That’s why, when it comes to fitness in space, it’s important to create a program addressing the whole system, parts included.
Space station mission has changed
It's been 22 years since U.S. President Ronald Reagan proposed building the International Space Station, but its mission has since radically changed.
ISS Crew Watch Hurricanes Brew, Prepare for Spacewalk
The 12th international space station crew turned its attention last week to experiment work aboard their microgravity home and laboratory. They also captured spectacular images of Hurricane Wilma and prepared for a spacewalk.
International Space Station Expedition 11 Moving Full Speed
Commander Sergei Krikalev and Flight Engineer John Phillips are moving full speed ahead into their Expedition 11 maintenance and science work aboard the International Space Station.
Krikalev replaced a liquid processing component of the Russian Elektron oxygen generation system yesterday. It failed almost immediately prompting additional troubleshooting today. The system separates hydrogen and oxygen molecules from water, and injects the oxygen into the Station's atmosphere. Oxygen is being supplied as needed from tanks in the Progress cargo ship docked with the Station. It is one of several oxygen supplies available.
Researchers determine risk factors for infection after liver transplantation
Nearly 9 percent of patients who recently underwent liver transplantation suffered a subsequent surgical site infection (SSI). Risk factors included having had biliary-enteric anastomosis (choledocho-jejunal or hepatic-jejunal reconstruction), previous liver or kidney transplant, and more than four red blood cell units transfused. These findings are published in the June issue of Liver Transplantation, a journal by John Wiley & Sons.
Nanobacteria – Are They Alive?
Tiny particles called nanobacteria have intrigued researchers in many ways since their discovery 20 years ago, but perhaps the most controversial question they pose is whether or not they are alive.
Zebrafish enables cell regeneration studies to help understand, treat human disease
One aquarium fish’s uncanny ability to regenerate essentially any cell type has given scientists a way to mimic cell loss that occurs in diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes then watch how the fish make more of them.

News discussion:

Space & Earth science news