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

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[–] shalafi 24 points 2 days ago (1 children)

There's a great sci-fy novel called Heart of the Comet where we've colonized Halley's Comet in order to move it's orbit and mine it. The doctor keeps releasing "challenge viruses" to keep everyone's immune systems healthy.

LOL, people keep ending up with colds and bitching, but they know it's a necessary evil. Never seen this explored before or since this article.

[–] Noodle07 0 points 1 day ago

Can't be healthy if you're not sick 🤔