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Should the ISS be dirtier? Cleanliness could be making astronauts sick.
- A new study suggests that the microbiome of the International Space Station (ISS) lacks diversity and contains an excess of antimicrobial resistance genes, which may contribute to health issues for astronauts.
- The ISS environment is described as having an extreme absence of molecules and microbes, with different modules showing varying microbial and molecular profiles based on their functions.
- Analysis of surface swabs from the ISS revealed low microbial diversity compared to Earth, with the majority of microbes being human-associated species.
- The space station's chemical profile contains industrial chemicals like PFAS and phthalates, potentially posing health risks for astronauts.
- The presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in many samples could lead to serious illness if acquired by human pathogens.
- Introducing soil or probiotic cleaning methods could potentially improve the microbial composition of the ISS and benefit astronaut health.
- The study highlights the need for further research to better understand the microbial and chemical conditions in space and their impact on astronaut immunity and health.
- Adding dirt or beneficial microbes to the ISS environment may help create a healthier space for astronauts, potentially reducing the risks of antimicrobial resistance and health issues.
- Frequent cleaning on the ISS could be contributing to the growth of diverse microbial populations, some of which may be evolving antimicrobial resistance.
- The study suggests that a more diverse microbial environment and introducing soil or probiotics to the ISS could have positive impacts on astronaut health and immune systems.
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