Mars mission off? Space travel can turn harmless bacteria into deadly SUPERBUGS

However, to combat the rising superbugs in space, scientists have created a special coating – called AGXX – which destroys the bacteria on contact.

Senior study author Professor Elisabeth Grohmann, of Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin, Germany, said: “Spaceflight can turn harmless bacteria into potential pathogens.

“Just as stress hormones leave astronauts vulnerable to infection, the bacteria they carry become hardier – developing thick protective coatings and resistance to antibiotics – and more vigorous, multiplying and metabolising faster.

“AGXX contains both silver and ruthenium, conditioned by a vitamin derivative, and it kills all kinds of bacteria as well as certain fungi, yeasts and viruses.