The International Space Station’s microbial environment may be doing more harm than good to astronauts, with a recent study revealing a lack of microbial diversity due to its sterile conditions. Introducing beneficial microbes from Earth could potentially boost the station’s microbial diversity and create healthier living spaces for astronauts.
The International Space Station’s Microbial Conundrum: Is it Too Clean?
The International Space Station (ISS) is a marvel of human ingenuity, but its sterile environment may be doing more harm than good to the astronauts who call it home. A recent study published in ‘Cell’ has revealed that the ISS lacks microbial diversity, which could be contributing to the health issues experienced by astronauts.
The International Space Station (ISS) is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit, where astronauts and cosmonauts live and work for extended periods.
Launched in 1998, the ISS has been continuously occupied by humans since November 2000.
The station orbits at an altitude of around 250 miles (400 kilometers), completing one rotation every 90 minutes.
Its primary purpose is to serve as a research laboratory, observatory, and testbed for spaceflight technologies.
The Problem with Perfection
Astronauts on the ISS are subjected to a rigorous cleaning schedule, with air filters and regular wipe-downs and vacuuming to keep their living quarters spotless. However, this level of cleanliness may be having an unintended consequence: suppressing the growth of beneficial microbes that are essential for human health.
Microbes: The Unsung Heroes
Microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, play a crucial role in maintaining our overall well-being. They help us digest food, fight off diseases, and even produce certain nutrients. In fact, research has shown that exposure to natural environments can support the growth of beneficial microbes in our bodies.
Microbes are microorganisms that include bacteria, 'viruses' , fungi, and archaea.
They are found everywhere in nature and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Microbes contribute to decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil fertility.
They also have significant applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
According to estimates, 1-3 trillion microbes live on human skin alone, while trillions more inhabit the earth's oceans and atmosphere.
The ISS’s Microbial Desert
Unlike most indoor environments on Earth, which are teeming with diverse microbial communities, the ISS is remarkably sterile. The study analyzed 803 samples from various surfaces on the station and found that human skin was the primary source of microbes. However, these microbes were mostly limited to those associated with human health, while beneficial microbes from natural environments like soil and water were scarce.
Microbial diversity refers to the vast array of microorganisms that inhabit our planet.
It's estimated that there are over 100 trillion microbial cells in the human body alone, with each cell playing a unique role in maintaining health and preventing disease.
Research has shown that microbial diversity is essential for a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to various physiological processes including digestion, immune function, and even mental well-being.
Studies have also revealed that changes in microbial diversity are associated with various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders.
The Solution: Introducing Earth’s Microbes
The researchers suggest that introducing environmental microbes from Earth into the ISS could potentially boost the station’s microbial diversity without posing any hygienic risks to astronauts. This approach is not new; scientists have already explored ways to introduce beneficial microbes into industrialized environments like hospitals and closed habitats.
A New Frontier in Space Exploration
As humans continue to venture further into space, it’s essential that we consider the long-term effects of our living environments on our health. The ISS may be a model for future built environments, including space stations and even lunar colonies. By intentionally fostering diverse microbial communities, we can create healthier living spaces for astronauts and people working in similar environments.
The Future of Space Exploration
Rodolfo Salido, co-first author of the study, emphasizes that introducing beneficial microbes from Earth is not just about creating a more comfortable environment but also about ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems in space. ‘We need to start thinking about what other beneficial companions we should be sending with these astronauts to help them develop ecosystems that will be sustainable and beneficial for all.’
- sciencenews.org | The International Space Station lacks microbial diversity. Is it too clean?
- discovermagazine.com | The International Space Station May be Too Clean But These ...
