A new study by the University of California suggests that the International Space Station (ISS) is too clean and lacks beneficial microbes. The ISS has strict sterilization protocols in place, with equipment built in sealed-off clean rooms and astronauts forced to isolate before entering orbit. However, researchers found that this level of cleanliness may be doing more harm than good for astronaut health.
Astronauts on the ISS often experience immune dysfunction, skin rashes, and other inflammatory conditions due to microgravity. Researchers suspect that a lack of helpful microbes could also be contributing to these issues. To investigate, they asked ISS astronauts to swab 803 different surfaces and bring back the bacterial specimens for study on Earth.
The results showed that the ISS had far fewer microbes than most Earth samples, particularly those found in soil and water. This has led researchers to suggest that intentionally incorporating more microbes into the ISS could improve astronaut health without sacrificing hygiene.
Experts point to the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests that modern cleanliness damages the immune system and contributes to allergies. By fostering diverse microbial communities on the ISS, scientists hope to create a healthier environment for astronauts.
The study’s findings have implications for future space travel, including NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon in the coming years. Researchers plan to explore ways to intentionally foster beneficial microbes on spacecraft and lunar habitats to promote sustainable ecosystems.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/international-space-station-too-clean-181405641.html