Scientists have found a way to get astronauts to eat their own excrement in space

in #science7 years ago

The transportation of food in space is extremely expensive, and growing food in space orbit is very difficult and requires a lot of time, which in turn is also very expensive and very inadequate. It turns out reason, scientists seek original and economical approaches to feed astronauts. Definitely the most original such an approach is one that seeks to turn faeces of astronauts into something edible. Yes, seriously. Although probably already run to the toilet to vomit at the thought of such astro-menu, keep in mind that such a decision may be the key difference between sedentary people on Earth and expeditions for exploration of deep space.

A team of researchers from Pennsylvania State University have discovered a way that uses microbes to break down solids and liquids, such as those that make up human excrement, very quickly. The process minimizes the possibility of the development of pathogens. The substance, which is the output product of the invention can be used for eating, scientists say. The process is called anaerobic digestion, and similar processes in our guts. The input wastes decompose without the need for oxygen. But the real breakthrough came with the next step. Scientists have extracted nutrients from decomposed waste and used microbial reactor to grow food from them, and will be used by astronauts on missions to deep space exploration.

Source: www.brightside.me , https://pixabay.com

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