Doha: The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that Chinese researchers have discovered a new microbial species in China's space station for the first time, naming it Niallia tiangongensis. The newly discovered species represents previously unknown microbes that had never been documented or studied by scientists. According to Qatar News Agency, in May 2023, the Shenzhou-15 crew collected surface microbial samples using sterile wipes, preserving them at low temperatures in orbit. Subsequent ground analysis revealed the novel Niallia tiangongensis species, confirmed through multidisciplinary methods including morphological analysis, genome sequencing, phylogenetic studies, and metabolic profiling, the CMSA said. Niallia tiangongensis demonstrates exceptional stress resistance, maintaining cellular redox balance and ensuring robust growth in extreme conditions by regulating bacillithiol (BSH) biosynthesis to counteract space-induced oxidative stress. It also exhibits distinctive capabilities in biofilm formation and radiation damage repair, making it a highly adaptable "all-rounder" for space environments, the CMSA added. This discovery offers new scientific insights, as the new species adaptation mechanisms could inform targeted microbial control strategies with applications in aerospace, agriculture, industry, and healthcare. Additionally, its ability to utilize organic compounds suggests promising pathways for sustainable resource use. As China's space station continues long-term operation, researchers anticipate significant advances in studying microbial bioactive compounds, genetic resources, and metabolic functions, potentially yielding substantial benefits for earth-based practical applications. Microorganisms are among the oldest and most diverse forms of life on Earth. They are tiny but ubiquitous organisms.