The International Space Station (ISS), 400 kilometers from Earth.

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RANDY BRESNIK / NASA / AFP

As part of tests organized by the National Center for Space Studies (CNES), the occupants of the ISS voluntarily refrain from cleaning a specific area of ​​their station.

Astronauts need to allow dirt to settle on a set of material samples, says

SlashGear

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This experiment was baptized MatISS, acronym in English for "fixation of microbial aerosols on innovative surfaces".

The objective of this scientific work is to study "the attachment mechanisms of biofilms in microgravity situation", specified the CNES on its website.

The surfaces tested “react to the approach of bacteria, preventing them from settling, proliferating and creating the biofilms that protect them in a hostile environment.

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The spread of bacteria can be dangerous in the ISS

These are the surfaces that are not affected by the cleaning and disinfection operation carried out by the astronauts every Saturday.

A necessary cleaning because, because of the recirculated air, bacteria can grow and endanger the occupants and the functioning of the ISS.

This phenomenon has prompted researchers to set up the MatISS experiment.

It takes place in three stages on board the station.

Four material samples were first placed for six months at three different locations in the Colombus laboratory module.

Three types of material were then left in one place on board.

The third phase was devoted to the observation of the propagation of the contamination on hydrophobic surfaces.

Materials to use in public transport?

The samples have since been brought back to Earth for analysis.

The results of the experiment could make it possible "to simplify decontamination operations in order to save crew time", indicates the CNES.

The possible discoveries of scientists are also likely to constitute "new assets for the development of future spaceships, in particular with a view to distant voyages".

Applications in our daily lives are also being considered by researchers.

Some of the materials studied could for example be used in public transport or on elevator buttons.

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