Why is Drosophila melanogaster a popular model organism in biological research?
Drosophila melanogaster, or the fruit fly, is a small, fly-like insect that is used as a model organism in biological research. It is one of the most widely studied organisms in the world, and has been used to study a wide range of biological questions, including the genetics of development, behavior, and disease. There are […]
Can food crops be used to supplement diets of crew on long duration missions?
As space exploration becomes more ambitious, the need for sustainable food sources becomes increasingly important. Long-duration missions, such as those to Mars, will require astronauts to bring their own food or to grow their own food in space. There are a number of challenges to growing food in space. The lack of gravity makes it […]
Quantum computing be used to predict astronaut actions
Quantum computing could be used to predict astronaut actions in a number of ways. For example, quantum computers could be used to: Analyze large amounts of data from sensors and other devices to track astronaut movements and behavior.This data could then be used to develop models that predict how astronauts will act in different situations. […]
Research Review: Human development and reproduction in space—a European Perspective
Link to the paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-023-00272-5…. This paper is a review of the first reproductive and developmental systems Science Community White Paper, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). It discusses the need for research into the effects of space travel on the male and female reproductive systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive hormone axis, and […]
In Vitro Gametogenesis: The Promise and Perils of Lab-Grown Babies for space colonization
Have you read the exciting news about a California biotech startup called Conception that is developing in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) technology? In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) is a process that involves creating sperm or egg cells in the laboratory from adult somatic cells. This is in contrast to in vitro fertilization (IVF), which involves fertilizing an […]
Harnessing the quantum realm for NASA’s future complex computing needs
A “quantum” is the minimum amount of any physical thing needed to interact with something else, usually referring to the smallest units of energy or matter. The quantum world is a strange and beautiful part of nature invisible to us. Even if you could shrink down far past the size of an ant all the […]
How Would We Do Surgery in Space?
Surgery in space is a complex and challenging task, but it is a possibility that is being explored by scientists and engineers. There are a number of challenges that need to be overcome in order to make surgery in space a reality, but the potential benefits are great. One of the biggest challenges of surgery […]
Research Review: Solving musculoskeletal biomechanics with machine learning.
Link to the article: https://peerj.com/articles/cs-663/ The paper explores the use of machine learning algorithms to approximate the posture-dependent moment arm and muscle length relationships of the human arm and hand muscles. The developed models demonstrate the future applicability of machine learning for musculoskeletal transformations in a variety of applications, such as in advanced powered prosthetics. […]
Strategies and Pharmacological Approaches to Reduce Bone Loss for Long Duration Missions Below LEO
There are a number of strategies that can be used to reduce bone loss in space. These include: Exercise Weight-bearing exercise is the most effective way to prevent bone loss. Astronauts on long duration missions typically perform a variety of exercises, including running, cycling, and weightlifting. Nutrition A healthy diet that is rich in calcium, […]
Bone Loss in Long Duration Missions Below LEO
Bone loss is a major concern for astronauts on long duration missions below low Earth orbit (LEO). The lack of gravity in space causes the body to lose bone mass and density, which can lead to osteoporosis and other bone diseases. There are a number of factors that contribute to bone loss in space. These […]