The bacteria that have been found on the ISS are previously not known to science and appear to have evolved out of nowhere. Scientists are excited because they are said to have the potential to contribute to us growing food in space - certainly for journeys to Mars and also on that planet.
The species is involved in a number of essential agricultural processes, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilisation, abiotic stress tolerance, plant growth promotion, and biocontrol activity against plant pathogens.
So far, so good, but hang on.
If they evolved as beneficials couldn't there be others evolving as pathogens capable of doing harm?
