Nasa Reveals: Why the International Space Station is ‘Too Clean’ for Science Experiments

Astronauts have faced skin rashes and immune system issues while living in space. Studies show that their immune systems react differently when they leave Earth, likely due to the absence of familiar air, water, and soil.

Recent research published in the journal Cell highlights a potential reason for these issues: the overly clean environment of the International Space Station (ISS). Researchers from the University of California, San Diego discovered that the ISS has fewer natural microbes compared to what we commonly find on Earth.

Scientists suggest that the mix of tiny organisms we encounter daily helps keep our bodies functioning well. If astronauts are isolated in a sterile environment for extended periods, they might miss out on beneficial microbes that contribute positively to their health. For example, soil microbes have been linked to better immune responses in children raised near farmland.

“We found a strong link between the amount of disinfectant used on the ISS and the diversity of microbes present,” said researcher Haoqi Nina Zhao. This means that frequent cleaning reduces the presence of natural bacteria that could be beneficial.

The lack of diverse microbes in the ISS might contribute to the skin irritations and inflammation that astronauts experience. The current approach to maintaining cleanliness in space could be reconsidered to allow for some microbial variety that mimics Earth. Introducing certain microscopic life could potentially help astronauts with immune issues and skin concerns.

This concept isn’t just applicable to space. It could also transform practices on Earth, particularly in hospitals and buildings where sanitation is paramount. Experts believe that boosting microbial diversity can help prevent allergic reactions and inflammation by regulating the immune system.

Experts emphasize that any introduction of microbes in sterile environments must be carefully managed. Future spacecraft could feature areas designed to host beneficial microbes while keeping harmful ones at bay, creating a balanced ecosystem beneficial for astronaut health.

As space agencies continue to monitor astronaut health, understanding how to manage the microbial environment could significantly improve life on long missions. This is especially crucial for upcoming expeditions to the Moon or Mars, where a healthy microbial environment could enhance well-being.

For more on this research, check out the full study in Cell.

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