scholarly journals Molecular response of Deinococcus radiodurans to simulated microgravity explored by proteometabolomic approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuel Ott ◽  
Felix M. Fuchs ◽  
Ralf Moeller ◽  
Ruth Hemmersbach ◽  
Yuko Kawaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Deinococcus Radiodurans ◽  
Cell Envelope ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Reduced Gravity ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Extracellular Milieu

AbstractRegarding future space exploration missions and long-term exposure experiments, a detailed investigation of all factors present in the outer space environment and their effects on organisms of all life kingdoms is advantageous. Influenced by the multiple factors of outer space, the extremophilic bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans has been long-termly exposed outside the International Space Station in frames of the Tanpopo orbital mission. The study presented here aims to elucidate molecular key components in D. radiodurans, which are responsible for recognition and adaptation to simulated microgravity. D. radiodurans cultures were grown for two days on plates in a fast-rotating 2-D clinostat to minimize sedimentation, thus simulating reduced gravity conditions. Subsequently, metabolites and proteins were extracted and measured with mass spectrometry-based techniques. Our results emphasize the importance of certain signal transducer proteins, which showed higher abundances in cells grown under reduced gravity. These proteins activate a cellular signal cascade, which leads to differences in gene expressions. Proteins involved in stress response, repair mechanisms and proteins connected to the extracellular milieu and the cell envelope showed an increased abundance under simulated microgravity. Focusing on the expression of these proteins might present a strategy of cells to adapt to microgravity conditions.

scholarly journals Male mice, caged in the International Space Station for 35 days, sire healthy offspring

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takafumi Matsumura ◽  
Taichi Noda ◽  
Masafumi Muratani ◽  
Risa Okada ◽  
Mutsumi Yamane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
International Space ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Reproductive Organs

Abstract The effect on the reproductive system and fertility of living in a space environment remains unclear. Here, we caged 12 male mice under artificial gravity (≈1 gravity) (AG) or microgravity (MG) in the International Space Station (ISS) for 35 days, and characterized the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymides, and accessory glands) after their return to earth. Mice caged on earth during the 35 days served as a “ground” control (GC). Only a decrease in accessory gland weight was detected in AG and MG males; however, none of the reproductive organs showed any overt microscopic defects or changes in gene expression as determined by RNA-seq. The cauda epididymal spermatozoa from AG and MG mice could fertilize oocytes in vitro at comparable levels as GC males. When the fertilized eggs were transferred into pseudo-pregnant females, there was no significant difference in pups delivered (pups/transferred eggs) among GC, AG, and MG spermatozoa. In addition, the growth rates and fecundity of the obtained pups were comparable among all groups. We conclude that short-term stays in outer space do not cause overt defects in the physiological function of male reproductive organs, sperm function, and offspring viability.

METHANOGENIC ARCHAEA IN THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-69
Author(s):  
V.I. Oshurkova ◽  
◽  
Е.А. Deshevaya ◽  
N.E. Suzina ◽  
N.E. Shubralova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Space ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Methanogenic Archaea ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
External Exposure ◽  
International Space ◽  
Methanosarcina Mazei ◽  
Dormant Cells ◽  
Space Vacuum ◽  
Vacuum Uv

Next phase of experiment TEST is aimed to evaluate microbial viability after a prolonged external exposure on the International space station (ISS). Methanogenic archaea isolated from various habitats have been tested in ground facilities for the ability to survive exposure to such open space factors as UV and vacuum. Methanosarcina mazei S-6T (VKM B-1636T) was found to be the most viable and, therefore, suitable for the experiment. Our investigations showed that the Methanosarcina mazei population maintained viability in the course of 24-month exposure. On this evidence we conclude that genome of this metanogenic archaea possesses mechanisms against the space vacuum, UV and thermal differences that, probably, underlie the ability of the strain to form peculiar cyst-like dormant cells.

Conceptual Design of an Experiment for the International Space Station About Shape Memory Composite in Space Environment

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loredana Santo ◽  
Denise Bellisario ◽  
Giovanni Matteo Tedde ◽  
Fabrizio Quadrini
Keyword(s):  
Shape Memory ◽  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Aging Effect ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Solar Sails ◽  
International Space ◽  
Shape Memory Composite

Shape memory polymers (SMP) and composites (SMPC) may be used for many applications in Space, from self-deployable structures (such as solar sails, panels, shields, booms and antennas), to grabbing systems for Space debris removal, up to new-concept actuators for telescope mirror tuning. Experiments on the International Space Station are necessary for testing prototypes in relevant environment, above all for the absence of gravity which affects deployment of slender structures but also to evaluate the aging effects of the Space environment. In fact, several aging mechanisms are possible, from polymer cracking to cross-linking and erosion, and different behaviors are expected as well, from consolidating the temporary shape to composite degradation. Evaluating the possibility of shape recovery because of sun exposure is another interesting point. In this study, a possible experiment on the ISS is shown with the aim of evaluating the aging effect of Space on material performances. The sample structure is described as well as the testing strategy.

Thermoelectric Applications as Related to Biomedical Engineering for Nasa Johnson Space Center

1997 ◽  
Vol 478 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. D. Kramer ◽  
P.E.
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
International Space ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Environment Noise ◽  
Scientific Value

AbstractThis paper presents current NASA biomedical developments and applications using thermoelectrics. Discussion will include future technology enhancements that would be most beneficial to the application of thermoelectric technology.A great deal of thermoelectric applications have focused on electronic cooling. As with all technological developments within NASA, if the application cannot be related to the average consumer, the technology will not be mass-produced and widely available to the public (a key to research and development expenditures and thermoelectric companies). Included are discussions of thermoelectric applications to cool astronauts during launch and reentry. The earth-based applications, or spin-offs, include such innovations as tank and race car driver cooling, to cooling infants with high temperatures, as well as, the prevention of hair loss during chemotherapy. In order to preserve the scientific value of metabolic samples during long-term space missions, cooling is required to enable scientific studies. Results of one such study should provide a better understanding of osteoporosis and may lead to a possible cure for the disease.In the space environment, noise has to be kept to a minimum. In long-term space applications such as the International Space Station, thermoelectric technology provides the acoustic relief and the reliability for food, as well as, scientific refrigeration/freezers. Applications and future needs are discussed as NASA moves closer to a continued space presence in Mir, International Space Station, and Lunar-Mars Exploration.

scholarly journals Protection of Space Environment in the Light of Perspective Challenges of “Space Wars”

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
Anna Hurova
Keyword(s):  
Outer Space ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
International Conflicts ◽  
International Court Of Justice ◽  
Human Environment ◽  
International Court ◽  
Space Objects ◽  
Principle Of Proportionality

In article it is analyzed action in the space of the principle of prohibition of the use of force and threats (jus contra bellum). Also it is researched application of Geneva Law to space conflicts (jus in bello) and it correlations with another hard and soft norms of international law in the light of protection of space environment such as Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques, Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1972, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development 1992 etc. Beside this it is used practice of International Court of Justice for argumentation of positions and conclusions. Since space objects management is done remotely with help of software, author draw parallels between legal regulation of international conflicts in outer space and cyber space. Furthermore, it is researched specific features of application the principle of proportionality in international space armed conflicts with the aim of protection environment of space and Earth.

scholarly journals Comparative Transcriptomic Signature of the Simulated Microgravity Response in Caenorhabditis elegans

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
İrem Çelen ◽  
Aroshan Jayasinghe ◽  
Jung H. Doh ◽  
Chandran R. Sabanayagam
Keyword(s):  
Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Transcriptomic Response ◽  
Transcriptomic Signature ◽  
Ground Conditions ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundGiven the growing interest in human exploration of space, it is crucial to identify the effect of space conditions on biological processes. The International Space Station (ISS) greatly helps researchers determine these effects. However, the impact of the ISS-introduced potential confounders (e.g., the combination of radiation and microgravity exposures) on the biological processes are often neglected, and separate investigations are needed to uncover the impact of individual conditions.ResultsHere, we analyze the transcriptomic response of Caenorhabditis elegans to simulated microgravity and observe the maintained transcriptomic response after return to ground conditions for four, eight, and twelve days. Through the integration of our data with those in NASA GeneLab, we identify the gravitome, which we define as microgravity-responsive transcriptomic signatures. We show that 75% of the simulated microgravity-induced changes on gene expression persist after return to ground conditions for four days while most of these changes are reverted after twelve days return to ground conditions. Our results from integrative RNA-seq and mass spectrometry analyses suggest that simulated microgravity affects longevity regulating insulin/IGF-1 and sphingolipid signaling pathways.ConclusionsOur results address the sole impact of simulated microgravity on transcriptome by controlling for the other space-introduced conditions and utilizing RNA-seq. Using an integrative approach, we identify a conserved transcriptomic signature to microgravity and its sustained impact after return to the ground. Moreover, we present the effect of simulated microgravity on distinct ceramide profiles. Overall, this work can provide insights into the sole effect of microgravity on biological systems.

scholarly journals Effects of Simulated Microgravity on the Physiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Multiomic Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolei Su ◽  
Yinghua Guo ◽  
Tingzheng Fang ◽  
Xuege Jiang ◽  
Dapeng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Differentially Expressed Genes ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Normal Gravity ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Biological Adhesion ◽  
Proteomic Analyses

Many studies have shown that the space environment plays a pivotal role in changing the characteristics of conditional pathogens, especially their pathogenicity and virulence. However, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a type of conditional pathogen that has shown to a gradual increase in clinical morbidity in recent years, has rarely been reported for its impact in space. In this study, S. maltophilia was exposed to a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment in high-aspect ratio rotating-wall vessel bioreactors for 14days, while the control group was exposed to the same bioreactors in a normal gravity (NG) environment. Then, combined phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses were conducted to compare the influence of the SMG and NG on S. maltophilia. The results showed that S. maltophilia in simulated microgravity displayed an increased growth rate, enhanced biofilm formation ability, increased swimming motility, and metabolic alterations compared with those of S. maltophilia in normal gravity and the original strain of S. maltophilia. Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) annotation analysis indicated that the increased growth rate might be related to the upregulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in energy metabolism and conversion, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, transport and catabolism, intracellular trafficking, secretion, and vesicular transport. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that the increased motility might be associated the upregulation of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) involved in locomotion, localization, biological adhesion, and binding, in accordance with the upregulated DEGs in cell motility according to COG classification, including pilP, pilM, flgE, flgG, and ronN. Additionally, the increased biofilm formation ability might be associated with the upregulation of DEPs involved in biofilm formation, the bacterial secretion system, biological adhesion, and cell adhesion, which were shown to be regulated by the differentially expressed genes (chpB, chpC, rpoN, pilA, pilG, pilH, and pilJ) through the integration of transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. These results suggested that simulated microgravity might increase the level of corresponding functional proteins by upregulating related genes to alter physiological characteristics and modulate growth rate, motility, biofilm formation, and metabolism. In conclusion, this study is the first general analysis of the phenotypic, genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic changes in S. maltophilia under simulated microgravity and provides some suggestions for future studies of space microbiology.

Reduced-Gravity Simulators for Studies of Man's Mobility in Space and on the Moon

1969 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 419-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald E. Hewes
Keyword(s):  
Lunar Surface ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Space Missions ◽  
Space Suit ◽  
Reduced Gravity ◽  
Research Facility ◽  
Lunar Landing ◽  
Propulsion Unit ◽  
Langley Research Center ◽  
Space Activities

A brief review of some reduced-gravity simulators recently developed at NASA's Langley Research Center to study specific problems relating to man's mobility in various space missions is presented in this paper along with a discussion of the manner in which these devices can be applied to other mobility problems. The devices covered in this review are the lunar walking simulator, the rotating space station simulator, and the lunar landing research facility being utilized by the Spacecraft Research Branch of LRC. These facilities are applicable to a rather broad field of space activities including such aspects as man walking on the lunar surface in a pressurized space suit, flying over the lunar surface with a backpack propulsion unit or a small rocket-propelled vehicle, driving a surface roving vehicle, and orbital assembly of spacecraft components. These facilities can also be applied to studies of space missions on other planets, moons, and asteroids.

The International Space Station

2019 ◽  
pp. 79-95
Author(s):  
Chris Nie
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Space Station ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Moon ◽  
New Era ◽  
International Space ◽  
Space Race ◽  
Future Space ◽  
Technical Details

A new era of spaceflight dawned following the conclusion of the United States and Russian space race. This new era has been marked by the design, assembly, and operation of one of the greatest engineering feats mankind has accomplished, the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is comprised of hundreds of thousands of kilograms of material built on the ground and transported to space for assembly. It houses an artificial atmosphere to sustain life in outer space and has been continually inhabited for over 15 years. This chapter describes the technical complexity of the ISS, the background of how it was assembled, its major systems, details of crew life onboard, commercial usage of the resource, and examples of mishaps that have occurred during the ISS's operation. The technical details of the ISS provide a glimpse into what future space stations that might orbit the Moon and Mars will resemble.

scholarly journals Space resources activities from the perspective of sustainability: legal aspects

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahulena Hofmann ◽  
Federico Bergamasco
Keyword(s):  
Present Article ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Legal Aspects ◽  
Space Environment ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Legal Perspective

Non-technical abstract The new forms of the use of outer space, such as space resources activities, not only will provide a vital contribution to research and industry, but could also entail a negative impact to the space environment. The present article aims at discussing from a legal perspective crucial problems such as how we shall ensure that the entities active in the area of space resources take environmental concerns into account, how we shall ensure that they utilize the best possible and least invasive technology and whether they should restore the ‘mining’ area when finishing their tasks.

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