Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

The International Space Station is infested with mysterious [bacteria]
Metro UK ^ | 11/23/2018

Posted on 11/23/2018 6:45:02 PM PST by BenLurkin

Scientists have discovered a thriving ecosystem of ‘infectious organisms’ aboard the International Space Station.

A Nasa team found five different varieties of Enterobacter, which are similar to bugs found in hospitals down here on Earth. The toilet of the orbiting space base was one of the main sites of infection along with the exercise area.

Researchers calculated that there is a ‘79% probability that they may potentially cause disease’, although analysis has only been carried out on dead samples at this stage so this risk could prove to be higher or lower following further research.

Dr Nitin Singh, who has just published a report on the bugs, said: ‘Given the multi-drug resistance results for these [bacteria] and the increased chance of pathogenicity we have identified, these species potentially pose important health considerations for future missions.’

Luckily, the tiny organisms do not appear to be virulent enough to make humans ill at this stage, although they could evolve into a more dangerous form.

(Excerpt) Read more at metro.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Weird Stuff
KEYWORDS: andromedastrain; astronomy; bacteria; ditchitintheocean; elonmusk; enterobacter; falcon9; falconheavy; infested; iss; nasa; nitinsingh; panspermia; science; spacestation; spacex
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-42 next last
To: BenLurkin

Seems like the only way to get rid of this thing and all the pestilence on board is to change its trajectory and let it burn up during reentry.


21 posted on 11/23/2018 7:45:39 PM PST by BuffaloJack (Chivalry is not dead. It is a warriors code and only practiced by warriors.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

A 79% probability that they MAY POSSIBLY cause disease?

Wtf does that mean? How do you put a number on that?


22 posted on 11/23/2018 7:46:06 PM PST by laxcoach (Government is greedy. Taxpayers who want their own money are not greedy.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: FreeperCell

Keep them in space. Better yet, nuke them.


23 posted on 11/23/2018 7:46:46 PM PST by shanover (...To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.-S.Adams)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

A few weeks after Mir came down, “something” washed ashore on a NZ beach....


24 posted on 11/23/2018 7:49:11 PM PST by Calvin Locke
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

25 posted on 11/23/2018 7:52:09 PM PST by Vendome (I've Gotta Be Me https://youtu.be/wH-pk2vZGw2M)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

We’ve seen this movie.


26 posted on 11/23/2018 8:04:50 PM PST by null and void (Socialist Worker's Party. If they ever get elected, you'll work and they'll party.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: exDemMom

“Cryptosporidia species are highly resistant to bleach,..”

True, but I was referring to bacteria. Cryptosporidium is a parasite.


27 posted on 11/23/2018 8:10:08 PM PST by be-baw (still seeking...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

I thought they were called “astronauts”...


28 posted on 11/23/2018 8:17:08 PM PST by logi_cal869 (-cynicus the "concern troll" a/o 10/03/2018 /!i!! &@$%&*(@ -)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

A thought occurred... Get everyone off and vent the whole thing to space. Then re-pressurize after a sufficiently long enough time to kill off the bacteria. (Assuming vacuum will kill these buggers)


29 posted on 11/23/2018 8:33:56 PM PST by MarineBrat (Better dead than red!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: AdmSmith; AnonymousConservative; Arthur Wildfire! March; Berosus; Bockscar; cardinal4; ColdOne; ...

Thanks BenLurkin. Hadfield notes that they spend time wiping down everything.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield Debunks Space Myths | WIRED

Astronaut Chris Hadfield Debunks Space Myths | WIRED

30 posted on 11/23/2018 9:18:50 PM PST by SunkenCiv (and btw -- https://www.gofundme.com/for-rotator-cuff-repair-surgery)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: be-baw

The option to use bleach is not as simple as one may think. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS, pronounced “eeclyss”) can easily be poisoned by various vapors. At least that is what the ECLSS people told me when I needed something onboard cleaned with alcohol (methyl or ethyl).

The NappyOne


31 posted on 11/23/2018 9:28:18 PM PST by NappyOne
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

32 posted on 11/23/2018 10:29:05 PM PST by Chode ( WeÂ’re America, Bitch!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin
The Green Slime
Blnk
33 posted on 11/23/2018 10:56:54 PM PST by minnesota_bound
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum
A closed system. Why is this even a surprise?

It isn't a closed system, the ISS is in constant contact with things from Earth. Every flight to the ISS contains bacteria, spores, etc., that we don't even know about or control. Our own bodies are colonies of species of bacteria. We also have shipped plants and animals up there in experiments and for food, which can also carry bacteria.

How to clean a space station might be the most important thing we learn at the ISS.

There are a few things to use:

- As another poster said, coating surfaces with silver would help.

- Bathing modules in UV light would help.

- Ammonia or bleach, followed by venting and replacing a module's atmosphere might help.

- Abandoning the ISS temporarily to send it up above the radiation protection of Earth and let it get bathed in radiation might help.

- Bring along the natural predators of the bacteria to keep it in check. (Design your space station as a terrarium, not a sterile laboratory. Accept that living things will be there not under your complete control.) Only keep laboratory modules sterile.

Any technique would not work on every bacteria, as many species can live in extreme environments.

34 posted on 11/24/2018 12:16:31 AM PST by Vince Ferrer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: laxcoach; BenLurkin

82.35% of all statistics are made up on the spot.


35 posted on 11/24/2018 12:43:18 AM PST by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: mrsmith

“It’s not a closed system. They have the vacuum of space for removal.”

Enterobacter are facultative anaerobes which means they can grow with or without oxygen. The vacuum of space would likely kill them by dehydration.


36 posted on 11/24/2018 2:29:09 AM PST by Brooklyn Attitude (The first step in ending the war on white people is to recognize it exists.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: laxcoach

“A 79% probability that they MAY POSSIBLY cause disease?”

Enterobacter are normal human gut bacteria and not generally harmful. I know of no meaningful way to determine a probability that something will cause disease accurate to 1 percent. Its silly.


37 posted on 11/24/2018 2:45:10 AM PST by Brooklyn Attitude (The first step in ending the war on white people is to recognize it exists.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: NappyOne

“The option to use bleach is not as simple as one may think.”

Bleach is also corrosive and could damage electronics. The fact is any environment where humans live is teeming with bacteria. You can clean and disinfect to a certain degree but you cannot keep it sterile, nor is there a reason to.


38 posted on 11/24/2018 2:55:58 AM PST by Brooklyn Attitude (The first step in ending the war on white people is to recognize it exists.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin

Nuke it from the surface. It’s the only way to be sure.


39 posted on 11/24/2018 3:34:53 AM PST by grey_whiskers (The opinions are solely those of the author and are subject to change without notice.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: grey_whiskers

Imagine. 11 people on board. one bathroom and everyone has diarrhea. Might get messy. I guess they need to build an outhouse.


40 posted on 11/24/2018 5:44:55 AM PST by oldasrocks (rump)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-42 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson