A new study suggests that the International Space Station is too clean for its astronauts, who may benefit from a little dirtiness. The station’s sterile environment has been linked to immune problems and skin disorders in astronauts.
Scientists found that the space station’s microbial collection is less diverse than Earth’s and is similar to other highly sterile environments, such as hospitals. Most of the microbes came from human skin, while cleaning chemicals were also present throughout the station.
Researchers compared the results to gardening, which has been shown to boost the immune system in those who practice it. However, they noted that exposure to healthy soil from gardening is different from being in a sealed environment with no natural input of beneficial microbes.
To better understand the space station’s microbial environment, scientists swabbed 803 surfaces on board and created 3D maps showing the types of microbes found and their interactions with chemicals. The study highlights the need for more diverse microbial environments in space exploration to protect astronauts’ health.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/space/international-space-station-iss-clean-astronauts-b2706349.html