What is the critical question researchers aim to answer regarding the novelty of the Tiangong strain?

Answer

Whether this strain evolved a unique mechanism to deal with space, or if it is simply an exceptionally tough survivor of an Earth origin

The research hinges on distinguishing between biological persistence (a tough survivor) and true biological novelty (having evolved a unique mechanism specifically adapted to space).

What is the critical question researchers aim to answer regarding the novelty of the Tiangong strain?

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New Bacteria Discovered Aboard China's Space Station! - YouTube

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