A new study has found that the International Space Station (ISS) is so sterile that it may be making astronauts less healthy. Researchers collected 803 surface swabs from the ISS and compared them to buildings on Earth, revealing a lack of microbial diversity that benefits human immune systems.
The ISS lacks the beneficial microbes that humans have co-evolved with for millions of years, which are essential for maintaining health. Most of the bacteria found on the station were related to humans and resembled areas on Earth that were industrialized or cut off from nature.
The study’s findings suggest that intentionally cultivating communities of microbes in future space bases could support astronauts’ immune systems. Researchers propose introducing beneficial microbes through fermented foods, animals, or probiotic-based cleaners.
However, scientists must test whether certain microbes might become dangerous in a space environment. The lack of microbial diversity on the ISS may lead to health problems such as skin rashes, cold sores, and immune dysfunction. The study’s authors emphasize the importance of learning to “include the microbial symbionts” that humans have evolved with.
The absence of beneficial microbes in space environments may be due to the use of harsh cleaning products and a lack of natural exposure. This highlights the need for more research into how to create sustainable and healthy environments in space.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/is-the-iss-too-clean-for-astronauts-health-new-study-finds-the-space-station-lacks-microbial-diversity-180986141