ISS is essentially a cloakroom filled with bacteria, according to a study

Germs in gyms also seem to be on the International Space Station.

According to a study published Monday in the journal Microbiome, a diverse population of bacteria and fungi, similar to that found in hospitals, gyms and offices on Earth, has been found on surfaces within the country. # 39; ISS.

As part of an NASA initiative, samples of bacteria and fungi were collected at eight ISS locations during three flight missions conducted over a 14-month period. They were then analyzed on Earth by a group of scientists, including several members of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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"In the light of a new era of human expansion in the universe, such as future space travel to Mars, the confined space microbiome must be thoroughly investigated to identify the types of microorganisms that can accumulate in this unique environment, their lifespan and survival, and their impact on human health and human health. spacecraft infrastructure, "the researchers wrote.

Most of the organisms found on the ISS were those associated with the man, according to the study. The most prominent bacteria in the US module belonged to the families Staphylococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, which are abundant on Earth in hospitals, offices and fitness centers, according to research.

The researchers explained that it was not clear that they could cause illness on board the ISS because it depends both on the health of each astronaut and the operation of the these organisms in a space environment.