Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Astronauts live in a microbe-starved bubble, but extreme sterility may weaken their immune systems—turning space into a silent health hazard.
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The ISS is crawling with human-associated microbes, mostly from astronauts’ skin. Without Earth’s microbial diversity, are they at greater risk for infections?
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Space habitats are ultra-clean, yet astronauts still get rashes and allergies. Could too much sanitation be harming their immune defenses?
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Some ISS bacteria form biofilms—sticky, resilient colonies that can corrode metal. Could microbes threaten spacecraft integrity on long missions?
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Microbes on the ISS adapt in strange ways, showing increased resistance to antibiotics. Could space accelerate the rise of dangerous superbugs?
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On Earth, diverse microbes keep us healthy. In space, astronauts lack this exposure—raising concerns about long-term immune dysfunction.
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Astronauts often experience dormant viruses flaring up, like herpes and shingles. Is the space microbiome making them more vulnerable?
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Mars bases and Moon colonies need microbial balance. Too clean, and astronauts get sick—too contaminated, and microbes could run wild.
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Scientists suggest introducing beneficial microbes to space habitats. Could bioengineered bacteria help keep astronauts healthy on Mars?
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