Scientists are baffled to discover 26 unknown bacterial species in NASA's ultra-sanitised cleanrooms - as they warn 'stop and re-check everything'

They're some of the most sterile places on Earth – but scientists have discovered dozens of new bacterial species inside NASA's cleanrooms.

These facilities are ultra-sanitised, highly controlled spaces where spacecraft and sensitive instruments are built and tested.

They are designed to prevent any form of contamination and to stop unwanted microbes from hitching a ride to other planets.