New bacterial species discovered aboard Tiangong Space Station by Chinese scinetists
Chinese researchers have found a new, previously unknown bacteria species on the Tiangong Space Station, a Chinese modular space station in low Earth orbit. These findings are recorded in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. The discovery has been formally named as Niallia tiangongensis. These findings were made from the microbial samples collected from multiple surfaces across the space station during the Shenzhou 15 mission, which landed on Earth in June 2023.
Characterized as aerobic, spore-forming and rod-shaped, these bacteria are genetically close to Niallia circulans, a terrestrial strain, this space-borne bacterium shows several different mutations. These differences, say the scientists, contain potential for further developing the knowledge of microbial life outside Earth.
One notable trait of Niallia tiangongensis is its ability to hydrolyse gelatin, a biochemical process that could prove advantageous in nutrient-scarce settings. The bacterium further demonstrates specialized structural and functional divergence within two proteins crucial to biofilm development, defense against oxidative stress, and repair from radiation damage. These characteristics indicate special adaptations that can allow the organism to survive in space, where one is exposed to continuous bombardment by toxic radiation, microgravity, and scarce resources with which to fight survival.
Although it is the first such discovery on Tiangong, it is not unusual. Bacterial experiments on the International Space Station already have yielded new bacterial isolates, some of which will come in handy for future efforts to grow food on Mars. Even within the spotless walls of NASA clean rooms, places intended to be nearly microbe-free, researchers recently discovered 26 new species of bacteria.
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BJP accuses Karnataka govt of 'failing' to prevent noise pollution caused by 'azaan'
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Members of the Opposition BJP on Tuesday slammed the Karnataka government for not taking measures to prevent the alleged noise pollution caused by 'azaan', the Islamic call to prayer.
BJP MLC D S Arun raised the issue in the Legislative Council during the question hour, accusing the ruling Congress of "appeasement" by failing to take action against mosques that are violating the Supreme Court's directives.
Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre, responding to the question, said, as per the directives of the Supreme Court in sensitive zones, the noise level should not exceed 50 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night, and in residential areas, 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
In commercial areas, the noise should not exceed 65 decibels during the day, 55 at night, and in industrial areas, 75 during the day and at night 70 decibels, he said.
Pointing out that the Karnataka government had issued an order in 2022, assigning responsibility to a committee headed by a DySPs or ACPs for the effective implementation of the rules, the minister said when a complaint is received about noise pollution, the Pollution Control Board will inspect it and provide information about the decibel level to the police to take further action, including filing of criminal cases.
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"Not only during azaan, but also during bhajans held in temples and marriage events, among others, the violations happen. There is a need to spread awareness. The Supreme Court has ordered against bursting firecrackers, but it is being violated. Efforts will be made to implement the rules effectively," he said.
Several BJP MLAs, including Arun, Bharathi Shetty, among others, were not satisfied with the minister's reply. They took strong exception to it.
Arun noted that in the last three years, only 52 cases have been taken, and said there are clear violations by almost all mosques, but no action has been taken. "The decibels have in fact increased under this government. The government is giving protection to them."
Reacting to this, Khandre, calling it a "sensitive matter", said, "It is not right to politicise the issue. The law of this land is equal for everyone."
Hitting back, Arun asked, "Why is the matter sensitive? What is preventing you (the government) from implementing the Supreme Court directives?"
