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In this decade and the next, humanity is ready to go into space like never before. National space agencies will send astronauts to the moon for the first time since the Apollo era, private launch services will lead the commercialization of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), missions in the outer solar system will seek evidence of extraterrestrial life and missions with crew on Mars are on the horizon.
In preparation for this, a substantial amount of research is being conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to determine how long periods of time in space can affect living things at the genetic level. In a recent experiment, a team of researchers from the University of Exeter conducted an analysis of the worms on the ISS and noticed “subtle changes” in their genetic makeup.
The analysis was part of the Molecular Muscle Experiment (MME), which was conducted in collaboration with NASA GeneLab and with partial funding from the UK Council for Biotechnology and Biological Science Research. The research team’s findings were shared in a study that appeared in the November 25 issue of the journal iScience.
For this experiment, Caenorhabditis elegans (a kind of nematode worms) were placed in perforated bags (allowing the passage of oxygen) and flown to the ISS. Once there, they entered an incubation period of around 6.5 days, which allowed them to have offspring that could grow into adulthood. These were then alternately exposed to the microgravity conditions of the station and the high gravity conditions in the centrifuges.
The worms were then frozen to be transported to Earth, where they were examined for any genetic changes. As Craig Willis, a researcher at the College of Life and Environmental Science at the University of Exeter (and lead author of the paper), explained in a University of Exeter press release:
“A crucial step towards overcoming any physiological condition is first of all understanding its underlying molecular mechanism. We have identified genes with roles in neuronal function and cellular metabolism that are affected by gravitational changes.
“These worms exhibit molecular signatures and physiological characteristics that closely mirror those seen in humans, so our findings should provide the basis for a better understanding of space flight-induced health decline in mammals and ultimately humans.“
As Dr Timothy Etheridge, a researcher at the University of Exeter and co-author of the article explained:
“We looked at the levels of each gene in the worm genome and identified a clear pattern of genetic change. These changes could help explain why the body reacts poorly to spaceflight. It also provides us with some therapeutic goals in terms of reducing these health effects, which currently represent a major obstacle to deep space exploration. “
Overall, the genetic analysis found “subtle changes” in about 1,000 genes, which were stronger in some cases, especially among neurons (cells of the nervous system). This is consistent with other research – such as NASA’s Twins Study – which shows how much periods spent in space include damage to the central nervous system and organ function.
High-gravity tests, meanwhile, have been conducted to get more data on the impact gravity has on the physiology of living things. The role it plays in maintaining muscle tissue, bone density and cardiovascular health is already well documented. But these latest tests have allowed the researchers to investigate the use of simulated gravity in space as a possible means to combat the possible genetic effects of microgravity.
Related studies are also ongoing on the effects of microgravity and low g on plant growth. Likewise, research is underway on the effects of high radiation on the health of both plants and animals. Traveling away from Earth does not just mean leaving behind the comfortable feeling of 9.8 m / s2 severity. It also means leaving behind the protection of your magnetic field.
These studies and all resulting treatments are therefore vital as astronauts venture into more distant space for longer periods of time. They are also crucial for any human who intends to go to space, to the moon, to Mars or beyond for an indefinite stay!
Further reading: University of Exeter, MRS, iScience
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