Chinese researchers have identified a novel microbial strain discovered on the Tiangong Space Station, marking the first time that a previously unknown species has been reported from the country's orbiting space laboratory, the China Manned Space Agency announced on Friday.
The strain, officially named Niallia tiangongensis, was described in a peer-reviewed paper in the academic journal International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.
This discovery was made possible through the space station's engineering and aerospace technology experimental program, in which the research team focused on the dynamic changes and safety control of environmental microbes during the long-term operation of the space station.
In May 2023, the Shenzhou-15 astronauts collected microbial samples from the cabin surfaces inside the space station. The samples were stored at low temperatures and later brought back to Earth for analysis.
Through morphological observation, genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and metabolic profiling, researchers confirmed the presence of this new microbial species and that it belongs to the genus Niallia within the family Cytobacillaceae, but is genetically distinct from its closest terrestrial relatives.
Laboratory tests show the Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped strain exhibits structural and functional differences in two types of proteins, which may enhance biofilm formation, oxidative stress response and radiation damage repair, supporting its survival in the space environment.
New microbe discovered on Tiangong Space Station
New microbe discovered on Tiangong Space Station
New microbe discovered on Tiangong Space Station
The city of Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province is fast becoming the world's most dynamic hub for humanoid robotics.
Home to over 74,000 robotics firms and more than 140,000 AI professionals, Shenzhen is not only powering the city's robotics boom through its thriving innovation ecosystem but also transforming the way robots are developed from sensor-packed feet to ultra-sensitive skin.
One of the front-runners is UBtech, a leading robotics innovator headquartered in the city. Back in 2022, its humanoid robots were only capable of walking, writing calligraphy, and practicing tai chi. Today, they are deployed in dozens of smart factories, including those run by Geely, BYD, and Foxconn, handling repetitive tasks once done by humans.
This year, UBtech plans to roll out 1,000 humanoid robots across factory floors.
"Over the past 15 months, our industrial humanoid robots have progressed through three generations, with each iteration faster than the previous," said Michael Tam, chief brand officer of UBtech.
This rapid development cycle, known locally as "Shenzhen Speed," is driven by deep research and development capacity and an unparalleled supply chain.
In Nanshan District alone, dubbed Shenzhen's "Robot Valley," over 30 robotics companies operate along a 10-kilometer stretch of Liuxian Avenue.
"We can quickly find efficient solutions across the entire supply chain, all within one hour," Tam said.
Hardware innovation plays an equally critical role. At Sycsense Technology, robots are being equipped with precision sensors and LiDAR systems that enable them to handle fragile tasks, like picking strawberries without damage.
"Here, you can finalize a design by morning and get a sample by evening. This is 'Shenzhen Speed,'" said Sycsense CEO Xiong Gengchao.
The speed mentioned by Xiong is underpinned by Shenzhen's dense and mature electronics ecosystem. RoboSense, a major supplier of LiDAR technology, is located just 20 minutes away from hundreds of robotics firms it serves.
"Shenzhen's electronics ecosystem delivers twin advantages: suppliers next door slash production time by 50 percent, while daily collaboration with nearby innovators accelerates our R and D," said Xie Tiandi, marketing director of RoboSense.
The city's concentrated supply chains and R and D power have led to a surge in innovation. In 2024 alone, robotics patent filings and grants rose more than 35 percent from the previous year. The sector reached 201.2 billion yuan (about 28 billion U.S. dollars), up 12.6 percent year on year.
Shenzhen's robotics rise is the result of over a decade of investment from government funding to talent cultivation, all of which aimed at building a globally competitive, full-stack innovation ecosystem.
Today, Shenzhen produces one-third of the world's LiDAR systems. And thanks to the seamless pipeline from lab to factory, the city is sending the country's humanoid robots onto the global stage at a pace no one can match.
Shenzhen home to 74,000 robotics firms
