Indian scientists find three new bacteria in upper stratosphere

Bangalore, March 16 ‘All the three newly identified species had significantly higher UV resistance compared to their nearest phylogenetic neighbours. One of the three, identified as a member of the genus Janibacter, has been named Janibacter hoylei, the second Bacillus isronensis, and the third Bacillus aryabhata,’ ISRO said.

‘While the present study does not conclusively establish the extra-terrestrial origin of microorganisms, it does provide positive encouragement to continue the work in our quest to explore the origin of life,’ it said, adding: ‘The precautionary measures and controls operating in this experiment inspire confidence that these species were picked up in the stratosphere.’

‘The payload consisted of a cryosampler containing 16 evacuated and sterilised stainless steel probes. Throughout the flight, the probes remained immersed in liquid neon to create a cryopump effect. These cylinders, after collecting air samples from different heights ranging from 20 km to 41 km, were parachuted down and safely retrieved.

‘These samples were analysed by scientists at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad as well as the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune for independent examination, ensuring that both laboratories followed similar protocols to achieve homogeneity of procedure and interpretation,’ it said.

‘Three bacterial colonies were, however, totally new species,’ the release said.

‘This was the second such experiment conducted by ISRO, the first one being in 2001. Even though the first experiment had yielded positive results, it was decided to repeat the experiment by exercising extra care to ensure that it was totally free from any terrestrial contamination,’ ISRO said.