Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30999: Microbial Skin Deep: Follow-up Space Study on Yeast and Human Microbiomes

The human skin is more than a barrier—it’s a bustling ecosystem of microbes. The 'Follow-up Study of Human Skin Tissue Microbiome Studies and Yeast Cells in Space' expands our understanding of how skin microbiota and yeast behave beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Led by Dr. Joseph Borg, this ESA-backed project aboard Expeditions 67 and 68 continues crucial research into health and microbiology in microgravity.

Why focus on the skin? Because it’s the body’s first defense against pathogens, and maintaining skin health in space is essential for astronaut safety. Microbes play a big part in this. Some protect, others cause infections. Studying them in a space environment allows researchers to see how gravity—or the lack of it—alters their growth, resilience, and interaction with human tissue.

This follow-up study revisited previous findings with improved methodology and additional samples. It used advanced genomic tools to compare gene expression, mutation rates, and microbial interactions in microgravity versus Earth controls. A key interest was in yeast cells, which, like bacteria, can be both beneficial and harmful.

What did they find? While results are still being analyzed, early data suggests microgravity influences microbial gene expression, with potential impacts on virulence and antibiotic resistance. That’s a huge concern for space missions and hospital environments alike.

This work helps develop better countermeasures for space travelers, like optimized hygiene routines, targeted probiotics, and even skin patches that monitor microbial health. On Earth, it enhances our understanding of skin diseases, wound healing, and how different organisms coexist on our bodies.

Ultimately, this study underscores a simple truth: to explore the cosmos, we must first understand the tiny lifeforms that live with us. From yeast to human skin cells, every microbe matters.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.