US researchers have created the first 3D map of the microbes on the International Space Station, finding a lack of microbial diversity could be causing astronauts to get rashes, cold sores and other immune issues.

Summary from elsewhere

The International Space Station (|SS) has low microbial diversity, which could lead to astronaut health issues, according to a study published in Cell.

Researchers found that the microbial communities resemble those found in sanitized environments like hospitals rather than natural settings.

Co-senior study author Pieter Dorrestein explains that increasing microbial exposure could improve astronaut health during long-term space travel.

The study suggests incorporating natural elements, like soil, into the ISS to enhance microbial diversity and astronaut well-being.

The study in question:

https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00108-4

  • surph_ninja@lemmy.world
    13·
    14 hours ago

    There’s nothing wrong with doing both at once.

    I disagree, so long as space programs remain underfunded. Give them access to the defense budget? Then yeah, go to town and create even more diverse efforts.