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A new study published in Cell, led by microbiologist Prof. Rob Knight from the University of California, San Diego, suggests that the extreme sterility of the International Space Station (ISS) may negatively impact astronauts’ health. The research found that the ISS lacks environmental microbes commonly found in soil and water, which are thought to support a healthy immune system. This microbial deficiency could help explain why astronauts frequently experience immune-related issues, such as rashes, cold sores, and infections.
To investigate, astronauts swabbed 803 surfaces on the ISS, and researchers analysed the microbial and chemical composition of these samples back on Earth. The findings revealed that human skin was the primary source of microbes on the station, with food-related bacteria found in kitchen areas and waste-associated microbes in the toilet. However, the ISS was missing many beneficial microbes present in natural environments on Earth. Its microbial profile was more similar to industrialized, highly sanitized spaces like hospitals.
The study’s authors propose that future space stations could benefit from deliberately introducing diverse microbial communities to create a healthier environment for astronauts. Co-author Rodolfo Salido emphasized that replicating Earth’s microbial diversity in space may be crucial for long-term missions. However, some scientists, like Dr. Odette Laneuville of the University of Ottawa, caution against seeding space environments with microbes without careful consideration, as harmful organisms could also be introduced.
