![]() They will then carefully observe the molecule changes that enable the squids to light up in space. ![]() ![]() Therefore, the ISS astronauts will first add the bioluminescent bacteria to the squids. The squids are not born with the microbes but, rather, acquire them from the ocean waters. The tiny creatures are ideal for the job due to their ability to glow in the dark when exposed to the Vibrio fischeri bacterium. The newly-hatched bobtail squids will allow scientists to study the impact of microgravity on the beneficial bacteria that help maintain our digestive and immune systems. (Credit: Margaret McFall-Ngai/CC BY-SA 4.0/ Creative via Wikimedia Commons) Bobtail squids Bobtail squids can glow in the dark thanks to a particular bacteria from the ocean water. NASA researchers hope that the tiny critters will enable them to better understand the impacts of space travel on the human body. The micro-animals were part of SpaceX's 22nd cargo resupply mission that delivered over 7,300 pounds of equipment and supplies - including treats like fresh apples and oranges - to the station. In the early hours of June 5, 2021, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) welcomed some unusual visitors: 128 baby bobtail squids and 5,000 tardigrades. The bobtail squids and tardigrades (not pictured) will allow researchers to better equip astronauts on long space journeys (Credit: Jamie S.
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