Science Stories with Joe Johnson: Space Fungi, Neanderthal Elephant Hunts and Why Most Humans Are Right-Handed

This week’s Science Stories with resident science contributor Joe Johnson highlights new research that spans outer space, ancient hunting grounds and the human brain.

Scientists Say This Fungus Could Survive the Trip to Mars

A recent study in a journal of the American Society for Microbiology examined just how “clean” NASA clean rooms really are. These tightly controlled environments are used to assemble spacecraft while preventing contamination of other worlds, a requirement under the Outer Space Treaty.

Despite strict protocols—including full-body suits, airlocks and repeated chemical and UV sterilization—researchers identified 27 species of fungal spores in a freshly cleaned facility.

When exposed to Mars-like conditions, 23 of those species survived intense ultraviolet radiation for varying lengths of time. One strain of Aspergillus proved especially resilient, surviving up to 24 hours.

The findings underscore ongoing concerns about planetary protection, a priority highlighted when NASA intentionally destroyed the Cassini spacecraft in 2017 to avoid contaminating Saturn’s moons.

Neanderthal Hunters

Another study, published in Scientific Reports, revisits a decades-old fossil discovery in northern Germany and challenges long-held assumptions about Neanderthals.

The remains of a straight-tusked elephant, dating back about 125,000 years, were first excavated in 1948. Early researchers doubted Neanderthals could hunt such large prey, even with a wooden spear found among the bones.

A modern reanalysis found cut marks consistent with stone tools, along with evidence of systematic butchering. Other animal remains at the site also showed signs of processing, suggesting organized hunting and food preparation.

The findings point to more advanced behavior than previously believed and illustrate how scientific understanding evolves over time.

Why are most people right-handed?

And finally, a look at a familiar human trait: why about 90% of people are right-handed. A recent science article in Forbes highlights evidence that this preference dates back millions of years.

Clues from early human tools, fossils and even prehistoric cave art all suggest a long-standing right-hand dominance. Researchers link this to brain lateralization, with the left hemisphere—controlling the right side of the body—playing a key role in language and fine motor skills.

Taken together, this week’s stories reflect a consistent theme: from microbes to early humans, life adapts in ways that continue to reshape scientific understanding.

Image: In this image from video provided by NASA, technicians in a clean room examine the sample return capsule from NASA’s Osiris-Rex mission after it landed at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The sample was collected from the asteroid Bennu in October 2020. (NASA via AP)