Microbiologist reviews threats, opportunities of fungi in space

Learn about the unseen microbial hitchhikers, including fungi, that join humans in the exploration of space in a free webinar taught by microbiologist Marta Filipa Simoes. 

“Enhancing and Endangering Space Missions — An Astromycology Overview” will air at 6 p.m. on Sept. 4, hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/Astromycology.

Simoes, from the State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Science at Macau University of Science and Technology in China, will discuss the new field of astromycology, some of the research conducted so far, and how fungi can aid or hinder space exploration efforts. 

These tiny life forms, just like us, face the extreme conditions of space, suffering changes and adapting to stress conditions. Understanding their growth and behavior in such environments is crucial for the success of future space missions.

Fungi are often overlooked in microbiology research. But they have become more visible since they can be hazardous or beneficial, both on our own planet and in space. They can pose risks to crew health and even damage and corrode equipment. However, some fungi can be useful, producing valuable products such as medical drugs, metal nanoparticles, enzymes and more. Interestingly, these beneficial activities can sometimes be enhanced in space, leading to higher production yields. Therefore, understanding how they react under conditions like microgravity and radiation is highly important.

For more information, contact Molly Johansson, 907-786-6313 or mjohansson@alaska.edu.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Johansson. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

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