The International Space Station is infested with mysterious [bacteria]

Metro UK ^ | 11/23/2018

[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.

[BenLurkin]

Full headline: The International Space Station is infested with mysterious and potentially dangerous space bugs

[FreeperCell]

They should keep the windows shut.

[OrioleFan]

Space cooties.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

A closed system. Why is this even a surprise?

[Calvin Locke]

Didn’t Mir have some sort of “growth”?

[ClearCase_guy]

I, for one, welcome our new Overlords.

[wally_bert]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/invisibleenemy/detail.shtml

[Telepathic Intruder]

Another reason to just crash the thing. I won’t name all the others.

[Deaf Smith]

Somebody is not using butt wipes.

[Fungi]

Bacteria? Par for the course as it was introduced by humans as are fungi:https://www.space.com/31772-fungi-survive-mars-conditions-space-station.html It is simply impossible to maintain a sterile environment when all these guys are riders on humans.

[mrsmith]

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

[BenLurkin]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/monitoring/media_reports/1209034.stm

[be-baw]

Bleach seems to be a good way to kill bacteria. Makes me wonder if there are any strains immune to bleach.

[max americana]

” The toilet of the orbiting space base was one of the main sites of infection”

You mean, they didnt bring Lysol on the station?

[BenLurkin]

Need to give this guy a spacesuit…

[KC_Lion]

Oh

Great.

[exDemMom]

Bleach seems to be a good way to kill bacteria. Makes me wonder if there are any strains immune to bleach.

Cryptosporidia species are highly resistant to bleach, and are a significant cause of diarrhea in day care centers and schools. They can be killed by hydrogen peroxide.

[Proud White Trump Supporter]

Send up a hoard of microscopic Tardigrades (Water Bears that can reportedly survive the vacuum of space) and let them wreck havoc on the bacteria.

[wetgundog]

Haven’t they heard of BLEACH?

[Justa]

Nano silver. Not toxic or caustic to people and the residue keeps on killing.