In this interview, with Professor Joseph Borg, the scientists behind the groundbreaking Maleth Project share insights into their pioneering work on the effects of space conditions on bacteria found in diabetic foot ulcers. Led by a multidisciplinary team from Malta, the project has yielded fascinating discoveries about how microgravity and cosmic radiation influence bacterial mutation and antibiotic resistance. The team discusses the challenges of transporting live samples to the International Space Station (ISS), the surprising results from their first three missions, and their plans for future research in space biology and medical science.
1. What inspired you to explore the effects of space conditions on bacteria found in diabetic foot ulcers?
My interest in the intersection of space biology and medical research led me to consider how the unique environment of space could influence bacterial behavior. Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant healthcare challenge not just in Malta but globally, and understanding how space conditions like microgravity and radiation affect bacteria in these ulcers could reveal new insights into their resistance mechanisms and help improve treatments on Earth! Ms Christina Gatt who is currently a senior biomedical laboratory scientist and reading for her doctoral degree at the University of Malta is currently leading the practical aspects of this work. A very talented and perseverant team member.
2. How did you select the specific bacteria for these experiments, and what makes them particularly relevant for space research?
Rather than selecting bacteria, we took the whole community of bateria, better known as ‘microbiome’ that are commonly found in chronic diabetic foot ulcers, particularly from patients who were known to be difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. These kind of samples are relevant for space research because the extreme conditions in space—such as microgravity and radiation—are known to induce stress responses in microorganisms, potentially leading to mutations that can affect virulence and resistance patterns.
3. Can you explain the challenges of transporting live bacterial samples to the ISS and ensuring their viability?
Transporting live bacterial samples to the ISS involves meticulous planning to ensure the samples remain viable throughout the journey. This includes maintaining appropriate temperatures and protecting the samples from contamination. Additionally, the logistics of integrating our experiments with the broader schedule of ISS missions present challenges that require close collaboration with space agencies like NASA and SpaceX, and of course our trusted partners Space Applications Services and ICE Cubes Payload Services.
4. What were the most surprising findings from the Maleth Project’s first three missions?
One of the most surprising findings was the extent to which space conditions accelerated bacterial mutation rates, leading to a few interesting cases of antibiotic resistance. The conclusions are still early to be made, yet this underscores the potential for space environments to act as a catalyst for genetic changes in microorganisms, which could have profound implications for both space travelers and terrestrial medicine.
5. How do space conditions like microgravity and cosmic radiation influence bacterial mutation and antibiotic resistance?
Microgravity and cosmic radiation create stress on bacterial cells, leading to changes in gene expression and DNA repair mechanisms. These conditions can accelerate mutation rates, resulting in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Understanding these processes in space helps us to anticipate and mitigate similar challenges in extreme environments on Earth.
6. How do you envision the findings from the Maleth Project influencing future medical treatments on Earth?
The findings from the Maleth Project could lead to new strategies for managing antibiotic resistance, particularly in chronic wounds. By understanding how bacteria adapt to extreme conditions, we can develop more effective treatments that target the underlying mechanisms of resistance, potentially improving outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat infections.
7. Could you elaborate on the interdisciplinary collaboration that made the Maleth Project possible?
The Maleth Project was made possible through collaboration across multiple disciplines, including microbiology, space biology, bioinformatics, and clinical medicine. Working with partners from NASA’s GeneLab, SpaceX handling staff, and scientists from Weill Cornell Medicine, USA and KAUST in Saudi Arabia, as well as local institutions like the University of Malta, and private entities, allowed us to integrate expertise from diverse fields to address complex scientific questions. This collaboration is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research in advancing both space exploration and medical science.
8. How do you plan to expand the scope of your research with the upcoming Maleth IV mission?
For the Maleth IV mission, we plan to broaden our focus to include a wider range of bacterial strains and explore additional fcators. We will also incorporate more advanced genomic analysis techniques to better understand the molecular changes occurring in space. This expanded scope will provide deeper insights into microbial behavior in space and its implications for health on Earth.
9. What advice would you give to other small nations aspiring to contribute to space research?
Small nations can make significant contributions to space research by focusing on niche areas where they have expertise or specific challenges, as we did with diabetic foot ulcers and now what we are doing on space anaemia. Building strong international partnerships and leveraging local scientific talent are also key. With determination and collaboration, even smaller countries can play a crucial role in global space research initiatives. Get ready to witness as we handle the world’s first blood samples from a private citizens’ spacewalk this summer! Joined by Ms Maria Vella and Dr Josef Borg from the University of Malta working on blood science, as well as more surprises before the year ends. Whoever wishes to be part of this journey, can reach out to me at any time.
