Space Germs

Send a man into space and you get a nice photo op. Send a germ into space and it becomes stronger and deadlier.

In September 2006, scientists wanted to see how space travel affects germs, so they took some Salmonella along for a ride. When mice were fed the space germs, they were three times more likely to get sick and die quicker than others fed identical germs that had remained behind on Earth. The researchers found 167 genes had changed in the salmonella that went to space.

What happened? The leading theory is called fluid shear.

Being cultured in microgravity means the force of the liquid passing over the cells is low. The cells are responding not to microgravity, but indirectly to microgravity in the low fluid shear effects. I don't know exactly what that means, but a woman form the CDC said it, so it must be true. They know stuff.

But what is dangerous can also be helpful, as scientists will send wheat germ into space to make a superfood. Of course the eugenically crazed Germans will soon be floating around the atmosphere to make their uber-mench.