How sterility in space station could impact astronaut health
Recent studies conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have shown that the microbial environment in microgravity conditions differs from that on Earth, not only in its composition but also in its impact on crew health, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
When researchers analyzed 803 samples from various surfaces aboard the ISS, they found that it was one of the most microbially depleted environments ever studied, with most microorganisms originating from human skin. Its microbial composition closely resembled that of hospitals, closed habitats, and densely populated urban areas rather than natural settings.
Unlike most terrestrial settings, ISS surfaces lack free-living environmental microbes, such as those found in soil and water. These microbes play a crucial role in balancing the human microbiome and supporting immune function. Their absence, combined with frequent disinfection, could leave astronauts more vulnerable to immune dysfunction, inflammation, and other health issues.
Researchers believe that complete sterility is not always beneficial for the body. Instead, they propose the controlled introduction of beneficial microbes that could help restore the lost diversity. This approach could maintain the crew’s health without increasing the risk of infections.
Earlier, Kazinform News Agency reported on new insights into the Mars planet’s distinctive color.