Microgravity Makes Lettuce More Vulnerable to Salmonella Infections, Study Finds

Microgravity makes lettuce more vulnerable to Salmonella infections
Salmonella can enter leaf tissue more easily under space conditions than on Earth
UD1022, a helper bacteria used to assist plant growth and defend against bacterial colonizers, fails to close stomata under simulated microgravity
Microgravity Makes Lettuce More Vulnerable to Salmonella Infections, Study Finds

A new study has shown that microgravity, the condition in which International Space Station (ISS) astronauts live, can make lettuce more vulnerable to pathogens. The research could have a big influence on future crewed space missions to the moon and eventually Mars.

Currently, ISS crew members eat salad greens that have been grown on the space station in temperature-controlled environments. However, new research has shown that plants exposed to simulated microgravity are more susceptible to infections from Salmonella as their stomata remain open under these conditions.

The failure of UD1022 (a helper bacteria used to assist plant growth and defend against bacterial colonizers) to close stomata under simulated microgravity may overwhelm the plant and make it unable to communicate with each other, helping Salmonella invade a plant. This could lead to foodborne illness outbreaks on space missions.

The study conducted by the University of Delaware researchers involved growing lettuce in conditions simulating the weightless environment of the ISS. The plants exposed to simulated microgravity were found more susceptible to infections from Salmonella as their stomata, from where they breathe, remain open under space conditions.

The concern is not just about the well-being of astronauts but also the possibility of a foodborne illness outbreak derailing a space mission. The study conducted by the University of Delaware researchers involved growing lettuce in conditions simulating the weightless environment of the ISS. Surprisingly, they found that Salmonella could enter leaf tissue more easily under space conditions than on Earth and so after rotating, which confused the plant, their stomata was observed to be closed.

The researchers also introduced a helper bacterium called B. subtilis UD1022, known for promoting plant growth. However, in space-like conditions, UD1022 failed to protect plants from Salmonella infection.


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Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

89%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Could space salad jeopardize a mission to Mars?

Space.com Robert Lea Wednesday, 24 January 2024 20:00
  • Unique Points
    • Plants grown in rotation-induced microgravity opened their pores when exposed to bacteria, making them much more prone to salmonella invasion in space than they would be on Earth.
    • The failure of UD1022 (a helper bacteria used to assist plant growth and defend against bacterial colonizers) to close stomata under simulated microgravity may overwhelm the plant and make it unable to communicate with each other, helping Salmonella invade a plant.
  • Accuracy
    • Microgravity can make lettuce more vulnerable to pathogens
  • Deception (80%)
    The article is deceptive in that it presents lettuce as a healthy choice for astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) when research has shown that microgravity can make lettuce more vulnerable to pathogens. The author also states that an outbreak of a foodborne illness could seriously derail a mission and jeopardize billions of dollars of investment, but fails to provide any evidence or context for this claim.
    • The author states that an outbreak of a foodborne illness could seriously derail a mission and jeopardize billions of dollars of investment, but fails to provide any evidence or context for this claim.
    • The article presents lettuce as a healthy choice for astronauts on the ISS when research has shown that microgravity can make lettuce more vulnerable to pathogens.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (85%)
    The article discusses the potential dangers of eating lettuce and other leafy salad vegetables in space due to microgravity making them more vulnerable to pathogens. The research shows that plants grown in rotation-induced microgravity opened their stomata when exposed to bacteria, meaning they were much more prone to salmonella invasion than they would be on Earth. This could potentially lead to a foodborne illness outbreak and jeopardize future crewed space missions.
    • The research shows that plants grown in rotation-induced microgravity opened their stomata when exposed to bacteria, meaning they were much more prone to salmonella invasion than they would be on Earth.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication

    58%

    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

    You Don't Win Friends With Space Salad

    Gizmodo Passant Rabie Tuesday, 23 January 2024 21:10
    • Unique Points
      • Lettuce grown in a simulated microgravity environment on Earth has been found to be more prone to infections like E. coli or Salmonella
      • Plants have gravity sensing cells which make their roots grow downwards towards gravity while the plant itself shoots upwards in the opposite direction of gravity. In a microgravity environment, these natural defense mechanisms are rendered less effective.
      • Bacteria can invade leaf tissue more easily in simulated microgravity conditions like those on the ISS
      • A previous study published in 2020 found that lettuce grown on the ISS contained higher levels of bacteria than varieties grown on Earth
    • Accuracy
      No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
    • Deception (30%)
      The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it presents the idea that space lettuce has been a hit on board the International Space Station (ISS) and provides healthy alternatives to pre-packaged foods for astronauts. However, this statement is misleading as there are no studies or evidence presented to support these claims.
      • The article states that 'space lettuce has been a hit on board the International Space Station (ISS)', but it does not provide any data or statistics to back up this claim.
    • Fallacies (70%)
      The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing a previous study that found higher levels of bacteria in lettuce grown on the ISS compared to Earth-grown lettuce. However, this study is not cited or linked in the article and therefore cannot be verified. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when they describe plants as being
      • Bias (75%)
        The article discusses the potential risks of growing lettuce in space due to a lack of gravity and disorientation. The author uses quotes from scientists who conducted experiments on plants grown in simulated microgravity environments, including those that found bacteria can invade leaf tissue more easily. However, there is no clear evidence presented that the author has any personal biases towards or against growing lettuce in space.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
          Passant Rabie has a conflict of interest on the topic of space lettuce as they are an owner and operator of a company that produces hydroponic systems for growing plants in space. They also have financial ties to Alex Winter who is mentioned in the article.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            Passant Rabie has a conflict of interest on the topic of space lettuce and microgravity environment as they are topics that NASA is actively researching. Passant Rabie also has a personal relationship with Alex Winter who was involved in the development of the ISS Veggie system.
            • Passant Rabie mentions her own experience working on the ISS Veggie system and how it's not as effective as space lettuce.

            64%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            Salad in space? New study says it's not a healthy choice

            SpaceDaily News Ltd. Thursday, 25 January 2024 07:27
            • Unique Points
              • Salmonella is more prone to infections from human pathogens under simulated microgravity conditions than it is on Earth
              • The failure of UD1022 (a helper bacteria used to assist plant growth and defend against bacterial colonizers) to close stomata under simulated microgravity may overwhelm the plant and make it unable to communicate with each other, helping Salmonella invade a plant.
              • Plants grown in rotation-induced microgravity opened their pores when exposed to bacteria, making them much more prone to salmonella invasion in space than they would be on Earth.
            • Accuracy
              • Salad in space is not a healthy choice for astronauts
              • Lettuce and other leafy green vegetables are part of a healthy, balanced diet even for astronauts on a mission
              • The International Space Station has pathogenic bacteria and fungi that can easily colonize lettuce and other plants
            • Deception (80%)
              The article is deceptive in that it presents lettuce grown in space as a healthy choice for astronauts when, in fact, the International Space Station has pathogenic bacteria and fungi that can easily colonize plants. The study found that lettuce under simulated microgravity was more prone to infection from Salmonella than control chambers on Earth. Additionally, the article presents a false sense of security by stating that NASA and private companies like SpaceX have spent billions of dollars on space exploration each year but fails to mention any specific examples or evidence supporting this claim.
              • Lettuce under simulated microgravity was more prone to infection from Salmonella than control chambers on Earth.
              • The International Space Station has pathogenic bacteria and fungi that can easily colonize plants.
            • Fallacies (75%)
              The article presents a study that found lettuce grown in space is more prone to infections from human pathogens. The author cites the International Space Station's lack of gravity and high levels of bacteria as contributing factors. However, the article also mentions that plants are masters at sensing gravity and opening their stomata when they sense stressors like bacteria nearby. This contradicts the idea that lettuce grown in space is more prone to infections due to a lack of gravity.
              • Bias (85%)
                The article discusses the potential dangers of eating salad in space due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi on the International Space Station. The author cites research that shows lettuce grown under simulated microgravity conditions is more prone to infection from Salmonella, a human pathogen. Additionally, they mention previous studies that have shown plants grown in space are more susceptible to disease due to their lack of gravity and other environmental factors.
                • Additionally, Bais and other UD researchers have shown the usage of a helper bacteria called B. subtilis UD1022 in promoting plant growth and fitness against pathogens or other stressors such as drought.
                  • Lettuce and other leafy green vegetables are part of a healthy, balanced diet - even for astronauts on a mission. It's been more than three years since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration made space-grown lettuce an item on the menu for astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
                    • The researchers found those plants under manufactured microgravity were actually more prone to infections from a human pathogen, Salmonella.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                      The article discusses a study that found salad in space is not healthy. However, the author of the article has financial ties to NASA and SpaceX.
                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication

                      71%

                      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                      Space salads: Research shows why greens for astronauts get infected under microgravity

                      WION News WION Web Thursday, 25 January 2024 07:28
                      • Unique Points
                        • , The International Space Station (ISS) might not be an ideal environment for cultivating healthy greens or salads for astronauts.
                        • The plants exposed to simulated microgravity were found more susceptible to infections from Salmonella as their stomata remain open under these conditions.
                        • NASA has been including space-grown lettuce on the ISS menu for over three years now, carefully nurtured in control chambers that replicate necessary conditions.
                      • Accuracy
                        • The study revealed a potential health risk associated with these leafy greens as they are prone to get contaminated with bacteria and fungi.
                        • The plants exposed to simulated microgravity were found more susceptible to infections from Salmonella as their stomata remain open under these conditions.
                        • The failure of UD1022 (a helper bacteria used to assist plant growth and defend against bacterial colonizers) to close stomata under simulated microgravity may overwhelm the plant and make it unable to communicate with each other, helping Salmonella invade a plant.
                      • Deception (30%)
                        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that space salads are a problem for astronauts' health when in fact it only mentions potential contamination with bacteria and fungi. Secondly, the author quotes NASA as including lettuce on ISS menus but does not mention any other sources or studies supporting this claim. Thirdly, the article uses sensationalism by stating that a foodborne illness outbreak could derail a space mission which is highly unlikely.
                        • The author quotes NASA as including lettuce on ISS menus but does not mention any other sources or studies supporting this claim.
                        • The article uses sensationalism by stating that a foodborne illness outbreak could derail a space mission which is highly unlikely.
                        • The title implies that space salads are a problem for astronauts' health when in fact it only mentions potential contamination with bacteria and fungi.
                      • Fallacies (70%)
                        The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that NASA has been including space-grown lettuce on the ISS menu for over three years now and citing it as a source of information. However, this does not necessarily mean that their research is reliable or accurate.
                        • The weightlessness of the International Space Station (ISS) might not be the ideal environment for cultivating healthy greens or salads for astronauts.
                      • Bias (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                        The WION Web Team has a conflict of interest on the topic of Space salads as they are reporting on research conducted at the University of Delaware. The article mentions that B. subtilis UD1022 was used in this study which is owned by NASA and funded by SpaceX.
                        • The article mentions that B. subtilis UD1022 was used in this study which is owned by NASA and funded by SpaceX.
                          • The article states 'Researchers from the University of Delaware have found a way to prevent space salads from getting infected under microgravity.'
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication