Maximum alert issued as Tiangong space station scientists uncover new bacterial species

Scientists aboard China’s Tiangong space station have made a startling discovery: a brand-new bacteria strain unlike any previously known on Earth. Hidden inside the station, this tiny life form could change how we think about life’s adaptability and survival in the harsh environment of outer space.

Imagine floating hundreds of miles above Earth, in a metal capsule orbiting at 250 miles high, and stumbling upon a new species. This is not science fiction—it happened on China’s Tiangong station. The discovery sparks questions about what else might thrive in conditions we once thought impossible.

A new type of Bacteria thriving in Space conditions

The newly identified bacteria, called Niallia tiangongensis, was found in a cabin area aboard the station. It is a variant of a known terrestrial microbe but with unique adaptations. This microbe isn’t just surviving; it’s actively repairing damage and managing oxidative stress caused by extreme space conditions like radiation.

This discovery emerged from a collaboration between the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Space Systems Engineering. Published recently in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, their study focuses on understanding how microbes behave in space over long missions—a vital step in safeguarding astronaut health.

Learning how bacteria respond to radiation and the vacuum of space is critical. These tiny organisms can harm both the crew and the spacecraft systems if left uncontrolled. But they can also reveal secrets about cellular protection and repair that might benefit science on Earth.

Why studying microbes in Space matters for astronauts and beyond

Scientists have long known that microbes can influence health in closed environments like space stations. Up to now, the exact mechanisms they use to survive harsh conditions were unclear. The Tiangong experiment shines light on these survival tactics.

For example, oxidative stress is a serious challenge for cells exposed to space radiation—it can cause tissue and cell damage. But Niallia tiangongensis has developed effective ways to combat this stress, repairing itself to thrive despite the damage. This is a breakthrough that could point to new methods for protecting human cells in space and even on Earth.

The potential applications don’t stop there. By learning from how these microbes manage genetics, metabolism, and damage repair, researchers hope to develop new medical and biotechnological advances. Imagine new antibiotics, radiation therapies, or biomaterials inspired by space-borne bacteria.

Reflecting on this, I recall a trip to a high-altitude mountain base camp where oxygen was thin and conditions harsh. The resilience of life forms there—lichen on rocks, tiny insects—reminded me that life always finds a way. Discoveries like this bacterial strain reinforce that nature’s adaptability exceeds our imagination, even beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

What this discovery could mean for future space missions and Earth science

As missions to Mars and beyond become more realistic, controlling microbial contamination and understanding microbial ecosystems in spacecraft will grow increasingly important. This bacterial discovery from Tiangong offers a window into creating better strategies to maintain healthy habitats both in space and on other planets.

The China Manned Space Agency has described this research as promising a “harvest of exceptional findings” that bridge microbial genetics and metabolism with practical applications. It’s a vivid reminder that space exploration isn’t just about rockets and stars; it’s about studying life itself.

So, what do you think about microbes that survive and adapt in space? Could these tiny astronauts be the key to future space travel health and innovation? Share your thoughts and stories below. Let’s dive into this fascinating world together and explore what it means for the future of life beyond Earth.

21 thoughts on “Maximum alert issued as Tiangong space station scientists uncover new bacterial species”

1. 

   John Pendleton

   June 15, 2025 at 8:51 PM

   There’s a wonderful education film about bringing a new life form back from space — it’s calle d “Life.” Everyone should watch this for context. And the Chinese have 

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Over half of Australians believe China will be most powerful country by 2035: poll  

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Over half of Australians believe China will be most powerful country by 2035: poll

 

Photo: screenshot from the Lowy Institute Poll

A new Australian poll has found that more than half of Australians (56%) believe China will be the most powerful country in ten years, while only about a quarter (27%) say the same of the US, noting "attitudes toward China improved incrementally, but caution remains." 

Similarly, more believe China (58%) will lead technologically in ten years compared to the US (12%), according to Lowy Institute Poll 2025 Report published on Monday

This reflected a positive shift on Australian perceptions of China with growing number of Australians gaining firsthand exposure to China's realities, a Chinese expert commented on Monday. The expert hopes in developing bilateral ties, Canberra would not be hijacked by external forces, stressing "the common ground far outweighs differences, and bilateral relations must be defined by cooperation, not divisions."

Attitudes towards China improved incrementally, but caution remains, the Australian institute said in the summary of the poll. The poll reports the results of a nationally representative survey of 2117 adult Australian residents, conducted between 3 and 16 March. 

For the first time since 2020, Australians were just as likely to see China as an economic partner than as a security threat - though a clear majority (69%) continue to think it likely China will become a "military threat" to Australia in the next 20 years, according to the poll.

About half think Australia should cooperate more with China on climate change (49%). Views on economic engagement are mixed — a plurality (43%) say Australia should be trading at about the same level as now, whereas about half (49%) say Australia should be attracting less investment from China, shows the poll.

Regarding Australia's relationships with the superpowers, a bare majority continue to say the US is more important to Australia (52%), while a lower proportion prioritize China (43%), the poll shows.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (45%) enjoyed a 20-point lead over Peter Dutton (25%) in Australians' confidence in him to manage the relationship with China, according to the poll.

"There's slightly more trust, slightly less threat perceptions, [but] it's still a pretty bleak picture for how Australians look at China," The Guardian quoted Ryan Neelam, the poll author and a director at the Lowy Institute, as saying.

Since the 2024 survey, the gap between Australians' trust in the US compared with China has more than halved, as perceptions of China continued to improve from their nadir in 2022, The Guardian reported, quoting Neelam.

Commenting over the poll results, Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Monday that in previous years, under the influence of the then-ruling party's political maneuvers and the deliberate smear campaigns by certain anti-China forces in Australia's media landscape, public perceptions of China had been distorted and mired in so-called "China threat" narratives. This led to notably negative attitudes in polls, such as the Lowy Institute Poll 2022 Report.

However, facts speak louder than rhetoric, Chen continued. Recent years have seen growing number of Australians gaining firsthand exposure to China's realities, particularly after China's visa-waiver policy for Australians, Chen said.

"For instance, we've recently hosted multiple delegations from Australia and New Zealand, with more set to visit," Chen said, sharing his experience. "The latest poll reflects a more objective shift in public sentiment," Chen noted.

Yet while Australians increasingly recognize these truths, the persistence of a majority (69%) viewing China as a future "military threat" reveals the lingering impact of fabricated "China threat" narratives, Chen remarked. 

In addition, according the Australian poll, just over one in three Australians (36%) trusted the US to act responsibly in the world, a 20-point drop since last year and the lowest level on record since the Lowy Institute began polling in 2005.

Despite the sharp drop in trust towards the US, more than six in ten (63%) continue to think that the US would come to Australia's defense if it were attacked, and more Australians say the country should remain close to the US (57%) than those who think Australia should distance itself from its major ally (40%), said the poll.

Nevertheless, most Australians (68%) are pessimistic about the current US administration. Australians are evenly split on Washington's demand for US allies to spend more on defense, according to the poll.

Since the 2024 survey, the gap between Australians' trust in the US compared with China has more than halved, as perceptions of China continued to improve from their nadir in 2022, The Guardian reported, quoting Neelam.

According to The Guardian, Neelam said "That's quite remarkable for Australia's key security ally to have such a low level of trust." "The weight of expectation is that China will be more powerful and more predominant in the global system," he said.

Support for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine deal remained steady, with two-thirds of Australians (67%) in favor—roughly unchanged from 2022 (70%), shortly after AUKUS was announced.

As the US consistently prioritizes its own interests and national security, even at the expense of allies, a stance that has fueled growing public disillusionment in Australia, Chen pointed out.

But the expert, citing the poll showing 63% of Australians still believe the US would defend Australia if attacked, said this exposes a lingering, unrealistic idealization of American commitments.

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Financially independent but still working? It’s a possibility worth exploring

There’s nothing wrong with Financial Independence, Retire Early as a goal, but true financial freedom can look very different from the picture this ethos paints. (Illustration: CNA/Samuel Woo, iStock)

Over the past decade, the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has been gaining widespread popularity online, inspiring and motivating more people to manage their money better in order to retire sooner.

Some fantasise about how they can “fire” their boss once they retire early. Others dream of being able to stop working entirely to spend time on family or passion projects.

There’s nothing wrong with FIRE as a goal, but true financial freedom can look very different from the picture this ethos paints. 

NO LONGER TRAPPED BY OUR NEXT PAY CHEQUE

The relationship between our work and finances is a tightly entwined one – most of us need our next pay cheque in order to cover our living expenses and bills, so we keep working. As such, it can be easy to equate the idea of “financial freedom” with that of “freedom from work”. 

But in reality, financial independence and early retirement are two distinct, different things. 

Related:

Seeking financial freedom? Do these 4 things

Commentary: By wanting to retire early, millennials are subverting conventional ideas of work and finances

Not everyone wants to stop working. Studies show that purpose and productivity are essential for our long-term happiness – even post-retirement. 

Many who reach financial independence continue working, not because they have to but because they want to. But what financial freedom really gives us is the power to make decisions about how we work without worrying too much about financial repercussions. It allows us to choose roles that align with our values, take breaks when needed, or say no to toxic work environments. 

When we're no longer trapped by the need to rely heavily on our next pay cheque, we gain the freedom to work for our own growth and purpose. 

WHAT IS YOUR VERSION OF FIRE?

The original FIRE ethos called for saving aggressively (usually more than half your income) and investing wisely so you can retire early. It sounded great in theory, but for most, it often required high income and extreme frugality. 

Today, the FIRE movement has evolved to encompass varying definitions of financial independence. It is no longer about reaching an end goal, but more about the type of lifestyle we desire and the level our finances will need to hit in order to support our aspirations. 

For instance, “Lean FIRE” refers to a minimalist lifestyle where you retire with a lower budget. There’s also “Barista FIRE”, describing a point where withdrawing from your savings and investments can cover your major expenses and bills, while you supplement the shortfall with part-time or passion-based work (such as being a barista).

The original FIRE ethos called for saving aggressively and investing wisely so you can retire early. It sounded great in theory, but for most, it often required high income and extreme frugality. (Photo: iStock)

These newer variations of FIRE may seem like dilutions or compromises – but in reality, they are just as true to the core essence of financial freedom. 

True financial freedom empowers us with choice rather than demanding retirement. It should mean more options, not less. 

This shift in mindset can be liberating. Instead of chasing a retirement date or age, we can focus on building a lifestyle where money supports flexibility, purpose, and well-being rather than escape.

Perhaps you might decide to stay in your current job, but negotiate fewer work hours that would allow you to care for your children or ailing parents. You might explore part-time roles, start a small business, or pull a Jeremy Tan and pursue advocacy for change (even if it’s not as an independent candidate in a general election). 

ARE WE LOOKING FOR ESCAPE, OR A BETTER BALANCE? 

Out of all the people I know who’ve successfully achieved financial independence, the happiest ones are those who never quit working – but it’s not because they particularly love slogging. 

A friend downsized his role to two days a week to spend more time looking after his mother after her cancer diagnosis. Another stopped chasing yearly pay increments and started mentoring juniors instead, finding deeper fulfilment in growing the next generation than a fatter pay cheque.

Clearly, the real problem isn’t work itself – many people find meaning, identity, and purpose through their work. Rather, it is the lack of control over what, how, when, and why we work that has us dissatisfied.

Financial freedom can still mean not working at all, but it’s important for us to understand that this isn’t the only version of true freedom. 

Maybe it’ll mean a smaller pay cheque, but while it may look to others like you’re settling for less, you’re in fact gaining more in time, autonomy, and peace of mind.

Ironically, when we do work that we’re passionate about – work that energises us instead of draining us – we are much more likely to stay the course.

WE DON’T HAVE TO WAIT

Even so, I get why FIRE remains so popular not just in Singapore but around the world. 

Trying to achieve financial security is getting trickier and trickier, especially in a world where inflation only seems to keep climbing and job stability is quickly vanishing in the face of repeated layoffs and the proliferation of artificial intelligence. 

That’s why the FIRE movement appeals to millions of people around the world, because it seems to offer a solution. A way to regain control.

But the core tenet of financial independence was never about never working again – it was about never needing to work out of fear or survival.

So instead of running towards an arbitrary finish line, consider the path you’re on instead. Is there a way to redesign the way work fits into your life now? 

We don’t have to wait until we retire, whether it’s early or not.

Dawn Cher, also known as SG Budget Babe, has been running a popular blog on personal finance for the last 10 years.

Related:

We don’t need more financial goals. Instead, we need better systems for ourselves

The dangers of relying too much on someone else to tell you what to do with your money

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Power of love; It all boils down to dad-ication

 

Some fathers believe that bonding with their children through travel creates lasting memories.

MORE and more fathers are taking a step back from their busy everyday life to reconnect with their children.

Between demanding work schedules, financial pressures and the fast pace of daily routines, dads are choosing to be more present, carving out time for shared adventures through travel.

Let’s dive into how these fathers are reshaping the traditional “authoritative” role in the family, prioritising active participation in their children’s lives.

Modern fathers

For Dr Sharkawi Che Din, 54, a professor of computer animation at a local university, the decision to embark on regular travels with his son stemmed from a “void” he experienced in his own childhood.

Growing up, Sharkawi rarely spent time with his father, who, like many men of his generation, viewed a father’s role as a mere financial provider.

“My father was always working. He didn’t have the time or the mindset for family trips,” he recalls. “That absence stayed with me. So I made a promise that when I had my own child, I would do things differently.”

And he has. For nearly a decade, the photography enthusiast and his now 18-year-old son, Afiq, have been going on photography expeditions across Malaysia together. From cool highland retreats to coastal fishing villages, they have captured the country’s beauty through their lenses.

More importantly, they have built a strong bond that many fathers and sons rarely enjoy.

Meanwhile, Azlan Andi, 34, has been exploring the world with his twin sons since they were just two years old. While most people associate gifts with something tangible, Azlan has a different point of view.

“I believe the most precious gift we can give our children is time and memories,” he says.

Azlan wants to be part of his children’s core memories by creating little moments with them.

The content creator travels frequently and has made family adventures a priority.

“My kids were invited as ‘baby influencers’,” he shares. “So travelling together eventually became a natural thing.”

The family has set foot in more than 13 countries. Back home, they have explored every state in Malaysia. “I find domestic travel especially meaningful. Not only does it expose the kids to our country’s rich and diverse wonders, but it also strengthens their connection to the local culture,” Azlan says.

Evan Lanier, 42, a photographer from the United States, began his travel adventures in a campervan, road-tripping through 46 states in the US with his four children. What started as a classic family road trip soon turned into international journeys to places like Guatemala, Ecuador and Papua New Guinea, sometimes with all six family members along for the ride.

One especially eye-opening trip was to Malaysia, which he explored with just his son, Gray. Though brief, the visit sparked a realisation: He wants to keep discovering

the world with his children.

“A global worldview is something many children don’t get the chance to experience,” Evan explains. “Travel gives my kids that gift.”

As for Ray Mak, 40, a Youtube artist and content creator, he started bringing his sons, Zac and Asher, on adventures abroad even before they could talk or walk, exploring beautiful places both within Malaysia and beyond.

The initial motivation was to make the most of the flight discounts for children under a certain age.

They went without expecting much, but it turned out to be “one of the best decisions” he has made as a parent.

Each trip has given Mak a front-row seat to his children’s growth – watching them grow not just in size, but in confidence and awareness of the world around them.

Being present

Sharkawi says that travelling with his son is about more than just seeing new places or taking photos. “It is about showing my son that being truly present matters,” he explains.

He believes that being involved in their lives – including listening to them and growing with them – is crucial for their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Their photos, often shared on social media and photography forums, have garnered plenty of attention and praise.

For many, fatherhood is traditionally all about fulfilling duties – from providing for the family to instilling discipline – Sharkawi says. But today, he observes that more fathers are embracing an emotionally-present role. “That shift means building a deeper connection with my son through shared experiences rather than just responsibilities,” he says. “Being a father isn’t just about rules or routines any more.”

Azlan agrees with Sharkawi that fathers are leaning into emotional connection, with technology and flexible schedules making things easier now.

“It’s the accessibility,” Azlan says.

Although he didn’t travel with his own father when he was young, Azlan still holds deep respect for him. “I remember how much I missed my dad’s hugs when he came home from work,” he recalls. “It was a different kind of bond, but strong enough that I still feel it today.” Azlan admits that he was the most pampered or sheltered among his siblings growing up. But he knows that the world his children are growing up in is “tougher”.

That’s why, he explains, “I am raising them to be not just kind and compassionate, but strong and self-reliant.”

For both Sharkawi and Azlan, presence is the foundation of trust. As Azlan puts it: “Children

need someone they can talk to. Someone they know is really there.”

And that’s what both fathers are striving for: friendship, openness and trust.

For Sharkawi, that openness was nurtured through years of road trips and long photo walks with young Afiq. What began as a hobby gradually became a sort of ritual for the duo.

Now, Afiq is just as passionate about photography as his father is. “It is where we connect,” Sharkawi shares.

“We give each other feedback, share memories behind the photos, and that shared space has transformed our relationship. We are like friends now.”

When they travel, Afiq opens up to him. “That’s when the important stuff comes out,” Sharkawi adds.

Meanwhile, Azlan says travelling with his now nine-year-old twin boys has done more than just bring them closer. “Seeing the world so young has made them more open-minded.”

Experiencing different cultures and lifestyles has not only widened their perspectives in ways a classroom never could, but also encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones and try new things.

Going to new places shows kids how to think on their feet and do things on their own, encouraging them to not be overly dependent, Azlan says. His children are now more confident in unfamiliar situations, quick to adjust when met with unexpected changes and eager to learn from their surroundings.

“They ask questions. They see things. And they are curious just by being out there with me.”

That’s exactly why Lanier is passionate about travelling with his children as well. For him, it’s about keeping their sense of curiosity alive, just like his father did for him. They didn’t travel much when he was young, but the few trips they did take left a lasting impact.

It wasn’t about how many places they went, it was about the experience they shared.

His father’s presence during those formative years has shaped not only how he sees the world, but also the kind of father he hopes to be today.

Lessons from the road

Mak says that once his children are outside the familiar setting of home, they often surprise him. “They show sides of themselves I don’t always get to see,” he reveals.

During a recent trip to a personal development camp, Mak had the chance to witness this. “It was incredible watching them learn from older students, how they handled pressure, managed their emotions, balanced work and play, and supported one another,” he says, proudly.

What he found especially

meaningful was how naturally his boys fit in to different situations. “They were meeting strangers, learning cultural differences,” Mak says.

One thing Azlan has noticed about his twins is that even though they look alike, they have very different personalities and interests. “Travelling has helped me discover this,” he says.

It is ever important for parents to know their children, as it helps reduce misunderstandings and builds stronger, more respectful relationships. When kids feel that their parents genuinely care, it helps them feel valued and boosts their confidence, too.

“I don’t just see them as my kids, I see them as their own people. Our bond is more than just parenting, it is about understanding each other,” Azlan shares. Forgetting camera gear, unexpected

nd downpours and getting lost were the kinds of hiccups that could have derailed a photography trip. But for Sharkawi, these challenges became the very experiences that made his bond with Afiq stronger. They had to handle the situations together as a team.

“I was surprised by how calm and resourceful Afiq was when under pressure,” he says.

It is easy to think that teenagers might struggle in hard situations or that parents are the ones teaching all the lessons. But on the road, Sharkawi found out it was the opposite.

“Instead of me teaching him, I learnt a lot from him.”

These challenges showed qualities in Afiq that everyday life might not always bring out. He is also creative and observant, which helped him win photography contests both locally and internationally.

One of Sharkawi’s proudest moments was in 2023 when Afiq won first prize in a contest called “Picture My Rights”, organised by Unicef in conjunction with World Children’s Day in Semporna, Sabah. His photo of a toddler sitting on a boat in the ocean captured the daily life of the Pala’uh people who are deeply connected to the sea.

But that wasn’t all. The year before, Afiq also earned first place in the Philippines Youth Photo Competition.

“Watching him work hard and stay positive allowed me to see a different side of him – one I might have missed if we hadn’t spent time together travelling.”

Azlan says that travelling with young children also means being ready for anything, like knowing how to soothe them when things don’t go as planned. For example, getting detained by immigration in another country.

During the height of Brexit tensions, Azlan and his then twoyear-old twins found themselves being stuck overnight at a British immigration centre. Escorted by police, they were caught in a situation no parent ever wants to face, especially with toddlers in tow.

The twins were too young to understand what was going on; the unfamiliar voices and chaos around frightened them. Instead of panicking, Azlan kept his children calm, reassuring them that everything would be fine.

Perhaps, when they are old enough, they will share this story, as well as all their travel experiences with friends and fellow travellers.- By GISELE SOO

It all boils down to dad-ication

Always there: Long (left) with his triplets Kelly, Matthew and Nicholas and wife Pauline Ho (second from right).

Modern fathers are breaking stereotypes and leading the charge at home

PETALING JAYA: From triathlete trainers to content creators, some modern fathers are challenging norms and showing that being a great dad isn’t just about the paycheck – it’s about showing up.

For Sean Long, the best reward is being able to see his children do well in life.

The 61-year-old from Kuala Lumpur took the road less taken by being the primary caregiver to his now 19-year-old non-identical triplets Matthew, Nicholas and Kelly, who are also triathletes.

“I have worked as a realtor and also for major corporations in the tech industry while my wife is an auditor at a big international firm. It has been more than 12 years since I have held a traditional job.

“Frankly, I think the term ‘stay-at-home dad’ is inaccurate because in the last decade or so, more men have been taking on jobs in the gig industry or jobs with flexible work hours to support their children.

“As the primary caregiver, I cover the weekdays while my wife does the weekends. Since my children are triathletes, a lot of their needs revolve around running classes and such.

“I am glad I undertook this role because being present during all those moments matters. This is part of the rewards of parenthood which many parents may not be able to experience,” he said.

Fathers Day will be celebrated tomorrow.

Not all heroes wear capes: Mohamed Salahuddin takes care of son Tashrif while working as a music video director.

In terms of the challenges of being a primary caregiver, Long said some of the toughest aspects include the disconnection from the conventional career path and witnessing peers climb the corporate ladder.

However, he noted that as long as the parent is happy to be a primary caregiver, such thoughts should not matter.

Mohamed Salahuddin, 42, from Klang, starts his day at 5am with six children in tow.

It has been 13 years since he decided to be the stay-at-home parent while his wife works as a human resources executive.

“I still work as a content creator, like TikTok and video production, but I am the one who wakes the kids and sends them to school. I also send my wife to work, then I continue to care for our youngest child, who is seven months old.

“I manage my work by setting up appointments at night, and handling the kids and housework during the day.

“There is a stereotype tied to being ‘Mr Mama’ as we are often considered to be unsuccessful, unemployed or lazy, but the truth is that handling the household is a never-ending job.

“We don’t have a support system and don’t really get to share our experience with others, which can lead to suppressed emotions or even depression,” he said in an interview.

Picture perfect: Sah with wife Sher, son Charlie and daughter Arabella.

For freelancer Sah Henn-Wei, 41, from Subang Jaya, choosing to become a primary caregiver was a way to help his financial planner wife, who was having trouble caring for their daughter due to post-partum depression in 2016.

“Then, my son came along and the load just doubled. I decided to leave my full-time job as an art director at an agency as the working hours were not flexible.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to make as my own father was a teacher and my main caregiver as a child,” he said, adding that his gifted daughter also requires more attention so having flexible hours is a bonus.

Sah wakes up at 5.30am, gets the kids ready for school and does the house chores while they are away.

He then gets some of his work done, prepares lunch and dinner, and then puts the kids to bed.

Asked about challenges, he points to not having many friends to talk to and making sure the household runs smoothly.

“Having to put my career aside to do this has made me doubt my choices many times, especially when I see my friends become heads of companies and jet setting around the world. Yes, the adage that ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ rings true.

“But being able to be home and be there for your kids while they are growing up has been the best feeling ever. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he added.

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