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Bacteria survive asteroid-like impacts (Level A1) — a black and white photo of some rocks and water

Bacteria survive asteroid-like impactsCEFR A1

5 Mar 2026

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Adapted from Johns Hopkins University, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Thomas McKinnon, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
82 words
  • Bacteria can sometimes survive asteroid-like impacts and shocks.
  • Scientists tested bacteria with a fast gas gun.
  • The bacteria came from a very dry desert.
  • Many bacteria survived the lower-pressure impacts in tests.
  • Some cells had membrane breaks and internal damage.
  • At higher pressures more cells were often harmed.
  • In one test the steel holder broke suddenly.
  • The study suggests life could move between planets.
  • This idea affects mission rules and safety policy.
  • More tests will check other organisms and repeats.

Difficult words

  • bacterium — a very small living cell, often invisible
    bacteria
  • survive — to stay alive after a hard event
    survived
  • impact — a strong hit or collision of two things
    impacts
  • membrane — a thin layer that covers a cell
  • pressure — force that pushes on something or someone
    pressures
  • organism — a living thing, like bacteria or animals
    organisms

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you been to a desert?
  • Would you like to study bacteria in a lab?
  • Do you think life can move between planets?

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