Alterations in the activity and sleep of Drosophila melanogaster under simulated microgravity

This study aimed to investigate alterations in the activity and sleep of Drosophila melanogaster under simulated microgravity, which was implemented through the random positioning machine, while different light conditions (normal photoperiod and constant dark) were set. Fruit flies of different strains and sexes were treated for 3 days, and activity and sleep were monitored using the Drosophila Activity Monitoring System. After 3 days of treatment, fruit flies were sampled to detect the relative expression levels of the major clock genes and some neurotransmitter-related genes. The results showed that for the normal photoperiod (LD) condition, the activity increased and sleep decreased under simulated microgravity, while for the constant dark (DD) condition, the activity and sleep rhythms appeared disordered and the activity increased, thus decreasing the likelihood of waking up during the day. Light conditions, strains, and sexes, individually or in combination, had impacts on the simulated microgravity effects on behaviors. The clock genes and neurotransmitter-related genes had different degrees of response among sexes and strains, although the overall changes were slight. The results indicated that the normal photoperiod could ease the effects of simulated microgravity on fruit flies’ activity and sleep and possible unidentified pathways involved in the regulatory mechanism need further exploration. This study is expected to provide ideas and references for studying the effects of microgravity on space life science.

A REVIEW OF COVID – 19 AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT

Knowledge of every aspect of life is hidden within Ayurveda. Irrespective of time and space, life science of human species has been the same. So even though COVID-19 is new disease, we can conquer this struggle by Ayurved. This disease began in China from Asatmya Ahar. Ahar means food. And Asatmya means the food which doesn’t adjust to our digestive system. Pradnyaaparadh is main cause behind this. It means besides knowledge of right and wrong, person tends to do wrong by his bad habits. Asatmya Ahar affects our digestive power. In Ayurved, every disease begins with Mandaagni (Diminished digestive power). By frequent intake of Asatmya Ahar, digestive power (Agni) gets too much affected that it digests improperly. In such condition Corona Virus get a chance to enter in body by crossing this barrier of Mandaagni. When such improper food was eaten in China, Corona Virus started to infect Aamashay (part of digestive system). This started to develop symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea. After this, virus gets entry in body, and gets located in praanvah strotas (Respiratory system). Due to some other factors like air pollution, smoking etc this praanvah strotas got weakened. Thus virus located there. In Ayurved, this process in known as Sthansanshray in kha-vaigunya part. It grew rapidly there and infected respiratory system (praanvah strotas dushti). Thus it started to show up symptoms like difficulty in breathing, cough, cold, fever, fast breathing, palpitations etc1.

Worms in Space for Outreach on Earth: Space Life Science Activities for the Classroom

Long term spaceflight is associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. The Molecular Muscle Experiment (MME) seeks to identify the causes of muscle decline in space and test potential therapies to attenuate this in the microscopic worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. This is the first UK-led experiment in the almost two-decade history of the International Space Station. We therefore intend to complete significant and widespread educational outreach activities to promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and to increase engagement with our space life science experiment. This paper describes three education outreach activities relating to MME that are suitable for use in the classroom: (i) observing normal and mutant worms; (ii) observing the effect of unloading (simulation of microgravity); and (iii) handling spaceflight hardware. Activity packs are provided at a starter and advanced level to support these activities. This paper also provides three posters that may be used as learning resources for educators. These posters provide information on: (i) why worms are used for research; (ii) spaceflight human physiology; and (iii) the specifics of the MME. Details of further planned engagement activities are outlined to increase the awareness of the MME.