Association·nasa
Microgravity increases mutation rate associated with resistance
Claim that space environment increases mutation rate in genes such as rpoB, resulting in elevated rates of antibiotic resistance mutations in bacteria like S. epidermidis.
Confidence
80%
active
Evidence Quote
“Dramatic differences in the spectrum of mutations in gene rpoB leading to rifampicin-resistance (RifR) were observed in bacteria grown in ISS compared to ground controls; mutation rate 24-fold higher in space.”
Relationship
microgravity increases mutation rate