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 ...
UV-C would kill everything exposed. Also would wreak havoc upon some materials through ionization damage.
All I meant was things go in, but they don’t come out. You can’t open a window and let in some fresh air.
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