Microgravity can alter the gut microbiome in astronauts

The researchers noticed that rodents who went to space had more gut bacteria than the control group rodents. Interestingly, for some reason, microgravity led to a significant increase in the number of bacteria belonging to Dorea and Lactobacillus species in the former group. Moreover, the gut microbiome population was highest in dead rodents who spent nine weeks (more time) in space. 

According to the study authors, it might be possible that the two abundant bacteria species in space rodents also contribute to an increase in the…