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American Society for Microbiology


How resilient fungus might survive Mars and space

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that a fungus strain called Aspergillus calidoustus can survive the harsh conditions of space travel and Martian environments. The fungus was found to tolerate extreme temperatures, radiation, and pressure, making it a strong candidate for surviving the trip to Mars.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 20, 2026

Microplastics increase antimicrobial resistance

A recent study has discovered that microplastics can facilitate the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, even in the absence of antibiotics. The researchers used different types and sizes of plastic to expose E. coli bacteria to various antibiotics and found significant increases in multidrug resistance after exposure.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMar 11, 2025