Bacteria, Brain Aging, and Gravity-Sensing Cells: Research Aboard the International Space Station

Expedition 70 Crew Explores Microorganisms, Brain Cell Aging, and Cellular Gravisensing in Microgravity

The International Space Station (ISS) continues to be a hub for groundbreaking research, with the Expedition 70 crew delving into a range of fascinating subjects. From investigating the growth of microorganisms in microgravity to studying brain cell aging and exploring gravity-sensing cells, the crew’s work is vital for both space missions and human health on Earth. In addition to their scientific pursuits, the crew also dedicated time to maintenance tasks and system checks, ensuring the smooth operation of the ISS.

Bacteria Adhesion and Corrosion: Understanding Microorganisms in Microgravity
NASA Flight Engineer Loral O’Hara focused her efforts on understanding how microorganisms grow in microgravity and the potential damage they can cause to spacecraft. In the Bacteria Adhesion and Corrosion study, O’Hara inoculated microbe samples inside the Life Science Glovebox, which will be compared to uninoculated samples. This study, taking place in the Kibo laboratory module, aims to develop effective methods for disinfecting harmful bacteria and keeping space crews and humans on Earth healthy.

Cerebral Ageing: Investigating Brain Cell Aging in Space
Commander Andreas Mogensen, representing the European Space Agency (ESA), delved into the Cerebral Ageing experiment. By examining brain cell-like samples under a microscope, Mogensen aimed to understand the accelerated aging symptoms observed in patients on Earth and astronauts on long-term space missions. This research has the potential to shed light on the effects of space travel on the human brain and contribute to our understanding of aging.

Cell Gravisensing: Unlocking the Secrets of Gravity-Sensing Cells
Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), played a crucial role in the Cell Gravisensing biology Investigation. Furukawa prepared different cell samples for observation inside the Confocal Microscope, furthering our understanding of how cells sense and respond to gravity. This research could have implications for future space missions, as well as shedding light on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular gravity sensing.

Maintenance and Support Tasks: Ensuring Smooth Operations
While the crew members dedicated themselves to scientific research, they also attended to essential maintenance and support tasks. NASA Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli spent her day configuring various NASA and Roscosmos hardware in the Harmony module. She calibrated an ultrasonic inspection device, which uses high-frequency sound waves to analyze materials, and checked communication systems.

Reducing Dependence on Earth: 3D Printing and Photographic Analysis
Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko focused on researching 3D printing techniques, aiming to manufacture tools and supplies in space and reduce dependence on cargo missions from Earth. Meanwhile, Cosmonaut Nikolai Chub dedicated his time to life support and electronics maintenance. Cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov configured laptop computers on the Soyuz crew ship and Progress resupply ship, and continued his photographic analysis of the station’s Roscosmos modules.

Conclusion:

The research conducted aboard the International Space Station by the Expedition 70 crew continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of microgravity’s effects on various biological processes. From studying the growth of microorganisms to investigating brain cell aging and exploring gravity-sensing cells, these investigations have far-reaching implications for space exploration and human health on Earth. As the crew diligently carries out their experiments and maintenance tasks, they contribute to our collective knowledge and pave the way for future space missions.


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