Astronauts on the International Space Station often experience immune system dysfunctions such as allergies and skin rashes despite rigorous screening. Researchers believe that microbiome disruptions in both their bodies and environment may be a contributing factor.
Dr. Rodolfo Salido Benitez, a bioengineering researcher at the University of California, San Diego, co-authored the largest study on the ISS microbiome to date. The team analyzed over 800 samples collected from multiple modules of the station, discovering that the microbial and chemical environment was similar to COVID-19 isolation wards during the pandemic.
The study’s findings suggest that the US Orbital Segment of the station, with its eight pressurized modules, may not be as ideal for maintaining human health. To investigate this, researchers supplied astronauts with custom swabs to collect samples from various surfaces on the ISS between October 2020 and April 2021. The data analysis revealed surprising similarities between the space station’s microbiome and those found in isolation wards.
This new study contributes to ongoing efforts to monitor microbial life on the ISS and provides valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining human health in space.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/03/the-space-station-is-nearly-as-microbe-free-as-an-isolation-ward