The International Space Station Is Home To Potentially Dangerous Bacteria (sciencemag.org)

sciencehabit writes: There's a little known, dirty story about the International Space Station (ISS): It's filled with bacteria and fungi. A new study has found compelling evidence that microorganisms from human skin are present throughout the station, and some of the bugs could cause serious harm to astronauts.The most concerning finding was from the "high-efficiency particulate arrestance" (HEPA) air filter used in the ISS: 99.65% of the viable sequences they retrieved came from Actinobacteria. The Actinobacteria phylum includes Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium; each genus was found in the ISS samples at a high level, which is "problematic," say the researchers, because they both have species that are opportunistic pathogens. Astronauts who live in microgravity for prolonged periods also can have compromised immune systems.

Comments

Earth Is Home To Potentially Dangerous Bacteria

[Anonymous Coward]

There's a little known, dirty story about Earth: It's filled with bacteria and fungi. A new study has found compelling evidence that microorganisms from human skin are present throughout the planet, and some of the bugs could cause serious harm to humans.

Housekeeping

[PopeRatzo]

So basically, the ISS is like a Super 8 motel room, but in space and without the complimentary cable.

Re:UV filtration?

[JoeMerchant]

And, there's plenty of intense UV light right outside, just open the windows once in awhile.

Re:fish bowl

[fahrbot-bot]

anyone ever seen a fish bowl? No matter how clean you get it there is always gunk buildup. The ISS is like a fish bowl, a closed system. as such of course there will be higher risks for pathogens.

And the astronauts hate it when you tap on the glass.

Re:fish bowl

[SharpFang]

Putin will kill all these pathogens with his bare fists.