Bacteria to Be Sent Into Space to Study Biofilm Formation

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will send bacteria into space this week, in order to study the formation and spread of biofilms in microgravity. On May 14 the space shuttle Atlantis will launch for a week long journey orbiting the earth. During the mission, the astronauts will perform experiments in which the bacteria are introduced onto different membranes. At the same time the research team at the ground will perform the same experiments. In total eight devices, each containing 128 vials of bacteria, are being sent into space. After the return of the Shuttle, the resulting biofilms will be compared to see how microgravity affects the biofilm formation. The ultimate goal of the research is to counter the threat of bacterial biofilms to future astronauts and spacecrafts.
Press release: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Researchers To Send Bacteria Into Orbit Aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis…
More information: Micro2 (STS-132): Gravitational Effects on Biofilm Formation During Spaceflight…