As on Earth, the International Space Station (ISS) has a strong population of bacteria and fungi, according to a study that cataloged its exact composition. The study published in the Microbiome Journal found that samples from an air filter and a dust bag in the space station vacuum had opportunistic bacterial pathogens that are mostly safe on Earth, but can cause infections that cause inflammation or irritation of the skin. The researchers found that the bacteria Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium (Actinobacteria), associated with human skin (Actinobacteria), but not Staphylococcus were more abundant at the station than in the white rooms of the Earth.
“Complete catalog” of fungi, bacteria
NASA scientists noted that similar bacteria are found in Earth’s mundane environments, such as officials, anthems, and hospitals, so the space station is similar to these other “built environments” frequented by humans. Research was needed to understand the nature of microbial communities, the microbiome, on the space station to manage astronaut health and equipment maintenance. However, to prevent any outbreak of deadly infections, astronauts reduce the possibility for quarantine periods prior to their mission.
READ: “Tie look”: NASA shares “colorful” images of Morocco’s anti-atlas mountains
Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a senior research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and co-author of the paper, said: “Specific microbes in the Earth’s interior have been shown to affect human health. This is even more important for astronauts during spaceflight, as they have altered immunity and do not have access to the sophisticated medical interventions available on Earth.
“In light of possible future long-term missions, it is important to identify the types of microorganisms that can accumulate in unique, closed environments associated with spaceflight, how long they survive, and their impact on human health and human infrastructure. spacecraft, ”Venkateswaran added.
READ: NASA asks for information on the “meteorite” in Australia: it is an “interesting” project
In addition, the research said the study is the first “complete catalog” of fungi and bacteria found on the surfaces of a closed space system, such as the ISS. The research also said this could lead to the development of safety measures for astronauts during spaceflight, although right now the rest of the spaceflight is unclear. It is worth noting that the astronauts had collected the samples over three 14-month flights, a period of time that allowed researchers to see how fungal and microbial populations changed according to locations and over time.
READ: NASA shares stunning ‘Pulsar SXP 1062’ images embedded in supernova remnant
READ: Elon Musk reveals ambitious plans to bring humans to Mars seven years before NASA