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

  • gian English
    1•8 hours ago

    I still think that’s trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. For biological humans to be able to explore the solar system, we need to advance in space-based manufacturing and AI control of those systems. Then there’s no more need for cramped spaces, for one.

    You are somewhat right but you forgot that we are already able to build and use cramped spaces for months, think about a military ships, submarines or the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.

    Having to launch every single piece of material from out of the gravity well of earth is just not scalable or realistic.

    That’s the real point, not the cramped space.

    For us to be more than just tourists in our solar system, and especially before we get to other stars, I really think we need to sort out how to digitize human minds.

    Nah, we just need to start to think to use the same approach of a naval fleet: send more then one big ship. This way also a generational ship could be easier to build and run.