您能简要解释您的结果显示什么吗？

Examining the whole metagenome allowed us to study the microbial profile of the ISS at a higher resolution than in previous studies. We could look at species-specific conclusions and make observations about the gene content of those species.

We found that a number of species were differentially observed between the ISS and the cleanroom on earth where materials within the ISS were manufactured. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the unique characteristics of space travel and continuous human habitation by astronauts.The whole metagenome approach also facilitated diving deeper into the genomes of specific species to determine whether SNP-level differences existed between ISS and terrestrial environments.

We further looked at genetic content associated with antimicrobial resistance and virulence, and found an increased quantity of sequence associated with these categories in the ISS relative to the cleanroom. This is again likely due to continuous occupation by astronauts carrying microbes adapted to humans.

Why did you look at the microbiome of particulates on the ISS?

在长期太空任务中，机组人员的健康至关重要。

在长期太空任务中，机组人员的健康至关重要。需要每天执行复杂的任务，获得全面的医疗服务将受到限制。围绕任何人的环境微生物组将对她或他的健康产生重大影响。因此，了解围绕宇航员的微生物群落的组成非常重要。在国际空间站的独特物理特征（包括微重力，辐射和有限的传统卫生实践途径）的背景下，尤其如此。

How were the samples collected?

Dust samples were collected by vacuum, and DNA was extracted back on earth. Particulates were also isolated from HEPA filters by scraping material from the filter and depositing in solution for further processing.

What are the challenges of investigating microbiomes in space?

At present, space station does not have capabilities to characterize microorganisms from any samples. The ISS does have MinION DNA sequencer but does not possess capabilities to process or extract DNA from samples as well as library preparations. In the near future NASA will equip with these capabilities and hence samples collected from ISS can be processed then and there and also when needed without sending samples to earth for analyses.

在此之前，需要将样品返回地球进行分析。在过境期间，微生物种群的生存能力可能会改变，微生物的功能特征也会改变。这些是一些挑战。

What are the implications of your findings for space travel and extra-terrestrial settlements?

扩展的太空旅行和居住将带来一个新的挑战世界，其中许多我们可能尚未确定。

扩展的太空旅行和居住将带来一个新的挑战世界，其中许多我们可能尚未确定。It is important that we learn as much as possible about factors that will affect the health of the crew so that they are well prepared for all contingencies. The human body responds differently to stimuli in space, and this includes the immune system.

The microorganisms that surround and live within us may interact and feedback on the human body differently in space. The first step to understanding these interactions is to thoroughly explore the ecology of microbial communities. So, in addition to tracking status of the humans on board, we also need to be acutely aware of the microbes that come along for the ride.

同样，此处进行和报道的基线研究是关于微生物监测的，但假定它们对机组人员的影响，但需要将来的研究以通过某些动物模型来确认基于基因的预测。在此之前，NASA曾承诺连续分类微生物。

The next step would be quantitative “microbial risk” assessment (QMRA) of these problematic “pathogenic” microbes that are “viable” by targeting gene markers. The QMRA approach will reveal the “dose level” of the pathogen which will pose threat to crew. Once we found abundance of TBD problematic microorganisms, countermeasure technologies will be developed targeting to eradicate them. Eradication of biotechnologically active and “friendly” microbes that are required for the wellbeing of crew is another aspect that needs further in-depth study when countermeasure technologies developed and implemented.