Identifying Microbes in Space

# What's Actually Growing on the Space Station? Scientists are using AI and machine learning to identify microbes living aboard the International Space Station, which matters because understanding what bacteria and fungi survive in space helps us protect astronaut health and prepare for long missions to Mars. The research shows that certain microbes can thrive in the harsh conditions of space, so knowing which ones are up there and how they behave lets NASA and other space agencies take steps to keep them under control. It's basically the same reason hospitals monitor infections on Earth—except this time it's happening 250 miles above our heads.