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2021.02.26
  • completed

[MicrobeI,II,III]
Studies on microbiota on board international space station and their relationship to health problem

  • Biology and Biotechnology
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ISS Science for Everyone

SCIENCE OBJECTIVES FOR EVERYONE

The Microbe-I experiment monitors microbes on board the ISS which may affect the health of crewmembers.

SCIENCE RESULTS FOR EVERYONE

Scientists are monitoring the abundance and diversity of fungi and bacteria in the Japanese Experiment Module of the International Space Station (ISS). Samples are collected and analyzed periodically after the module is installed to the ISS. Microbe detection sheet (MDS) and swab culture tests of orbital samples and examination by electron microscopy are methods to detect microbes. This research and monitoring contribute not only to safety on long-duration spaceflight, but also to development of a standard microbial sampling method for the pharmaceutical and food industries, better hygiene in other closed habitats, and, potentially, better water quality control.

Experiment Description

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

  • The purpose of this experiment is to monitor microbes in Kibo which may affect the health of crewmembers. And the monitoring of the stress from microbes to crewmember is evaluated as a space medical impact.

Publications

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S)

MAKIMURA Koichi [Teikyo University]/NASU Masao [Osaka University]

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