Latest news with #DepartmentofBiotechnology
Hans India
3 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
Indian astronaut to conduct key food, nutrition experiments in space
New Delhi: Indian astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Saturday. The experiments — developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA — aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel. Dr Singh said the first ISS experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae — a high-potential, nutrient-rich food source. The study will focus on key growth parameters and the changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space compared to Earth conditions. Presenting an example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Space biology experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted using indigenously developed biotechnology kits under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These specialised kits, tailored for microgravity conditions, have been designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure precision and reliability in space-based research. Their deployment marks a major milestone in India's ability to deliver world-class scientific tools for frontier research and underscores the country's growing self-reliance in critical technologies for space exploration and biotechnology.'Microalgae grow rapidly, produce high-protein biomass, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen — making them perfect candidates for sustainable space nutrition and closed-loop life support systems,' said Dr Singh. The second experiment will investigate the growth and proteomic response of cyanobacteria — specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus —under microgravity, using urea- and nitrate-based media. The research will evaluate the potential of Spirulina as a space 'superfood' due to its high protein and vitamin content, assess the feasibility of using nitrogen sources derived from human waste, such as urea, for cyanobacterial growth, and study the effects of microgravity on cellular metabolism and biological efficiency. These insights are critical for developing closed-loop, self-sustaining life support systems essential for long-duration space missions. 'These organisms could be the key to carbon and nitrogen recycling in spacecraft and future space habitats,' the minister said. Shukla is part of the first team of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his designated backup. The Ax-4 mission, managed by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, is a landmark for India's first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments onboard the ISS.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Science
- India Gazette
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to serve as Mission Pilot on Axiom-4 mission: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Union Minister for Department of Space, Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday that Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India's astronauts, will conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a release from the Ministry of Science and Technology said. The experiments--developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA--aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel. Union Minister Singh detailed that the first ISS experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae--a high-potential, nutrient-rich food source. The study will focus on key growth parameters and the changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space compared to Earth conditions. Presenting an example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Space biology experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted using indigenously developed biotechnology kits under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These specialized kits, tailored for microgravity conditions, have been designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure precision and reliability in space-based research. Their deployment marks a major milestone in India's ability to deliver world-class scientific tools for frontier research and underscores the country's growing self-reliance in critical technologies for space exploration and biotechnology. 'Microalgae grow rapidly, produce high-protein biomass, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen--making them perfect candidates for sustainable space nutrition and closed-loop life support systems,' said the Minister. Some species can grow in as little as 26 hours, and when cultivated in photobioreactors, they produce more biomass per unit volume than traditional crops--crucial for space missions with tight space and resource constraints. The second experiment will investigate the growth and proteomic response of cyanobacteria--specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus--under microgravity, using urea- and nitrate-based media. The research will evaluate the potential of Spirulina as a space 'superfood' due to its high protein and vitamin content, assess the feasibility of using nitrogen sources derived from human waste, such as urea, for cyanobacterial growth, and study the effects of microgravity on cellular metabolism and biological efficiency. These insights are critical for developing closed-loop, self-sustaining life support systems essential for long-duration space missions. 'These organisms could be the key to carbon and nitrogen recycling in spacecraft and future space habitats,' Singh emphasized. Jitendra Singh noted that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as Mission Pilot on the Axiom-4 mission, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut); Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland/ESA); and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary/ESA). Captain Shukla is part of the first team of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his designated backup. The Ax-4 mission, managed by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, is a landmark for India's first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments onboard the ISS. To drive future innovation, an ISRO-DBT Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted to accelerate collaborations in Space Biotechnology and Space Biomanufacturing. Institutions including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, and BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, are currently exploring new experiment opportunities. 'The JWG recently discussed a joint 'Announcement of Opportunity' in Space Biotech, highlighting challenges and pathways for in-space manufacturing, bio-regenerative systems, and extra-terrestrial biomanufacturing for long-term missions,' said Jitendra Singh. With these initiatives, India is not just reaching space--but shaping how humans will live, eat, and survive in it. The success of these experiments has the potential to revolutionize human nutrition in space and enable bio-recycling systems for closed habitats. Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed that this mission underscores India's growing influence in the global space sector and its transition from launch services to space exploration, sustainability, and science leadership. (ANI)
NDTV
3 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla To Serve As Mission Pilot On Axiom-4 Mission: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi: Union Minister for Department of Space, Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday that Shubhanshu Shukla, one of India's astronauts, will conduct exclusive food and nutrition-related experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a release from the Ministry of Science and Technology said. The experiments--developed under a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA--aim to pioneer space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems vital for future long-duration space travel. Union Minister Singh detailed that the first ISS experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae--a high-potential, nutrient-rich food source. The study will focus on key growth parameters and the changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of various algal species in space compared to Earth conditions. Presenting an example of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Space biology experiments aboard the ISS will be conducted using indigenously developed biotechnology kits under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These specialized kits, tailored for microgravity conditions, have been designed and validated by Indian scientists to ensure precision and reliability in space-based research. Their deployment marks a major milestone in India's ability to deliver world-class scientific tools for frontier research and underscores the country's growing self-reliance in critical technologies for space exploration and biotechnology. "Microalgae grow rapidly, produce high-protein biomass, absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen--making them perfect candidates for sustainable space nutrition and closed-loop life support systems," said the Minister. Some species can grow in as little as 26 hours, and when cultivated in photobioreactors, they produce more biomass per unit volume than traditional crops--crucial for space missions with tight space and resource constraints. The second experiment will investigate the growth and proteomic response of cyanobacteria--specifically Spirulina and Synechococcus--under microgravity, using urea- and nitrate-based media. The research will evaluate the potential of Spirulina as a space "superfood" due to its high protein and vitamin content, assess the feasibility of using nitrogen sources derived from human waste, such as urea, for cyanobacterial growth, and study the effects of microgravity on cellular metabolism and biological efficiency. These insights are critical for developing closed-loop, self-sustaining life support systems essential for long-duration space missions. "These organisms could be the key to carbon and nitrogen recycling in spacecraft and future space habitats," Singh emphasized. Jitendra Singh noted that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as Mission Pilot on the Axiom-4 mission, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (USA, former NASA astronaut); Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland/ESA); and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary/ESA). Captain Shukla is part of the first team of Indian astronauts trained for human spaceflight, with Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair serving as his designated backup. The Ax-4 mission, managed by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, is a landmark for India's first astronaut-scientist-led space biology experiments onboard the ISS. To drive future innovation, an ISRO-DBT Joint Working Group (JWG) has been constituted to accelerate collaborations in Space Biotechnology and Space Biomanufacturing. Institutions including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, and BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, are currently exploring new experiment opportunities. "The JWG recently discussed a joint 'Announcement of Opportunity' in Space Biotech, highlighting challenges and pathways for in-space manufacturing, bio-regenerative systems, and extra-terrestrial biomanufacturing for long-term missions," said Jitendra Singh. With these initiatives, India is not just reaching space--but shaping how humans will live, eat, and survive in it. The success of these experiments has the potential to revolutionize human nutrition in space and enable bio-recycling systems for closed habitats. Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed that this mission underscores India's growing influence in the global space sector and its transition from launch services to space exploration, sustainability, and science leadership.
Mint
19-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
India steps up surveillance as covid-19 cases surge in Hong Kong and Singapore
New Delhi: Indian health authorities have stepped up covid-19 surveillance amid a fresh surge in cases in Hong Kong and Singapore, according to a top government scientist actively involved with India's covid monitoring efforts. The surge has raised concerns about potential clusters back home, where active covid-19 cases hit 257 as of 19 May, the highest count in the past year, according to the health ministry's dashboard. 'There have been many spikes earlier as well. One has to keep a watch, no panic required," the scientist said, requesting anonymity. Government agencies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Department of Biotechnology, and the National Institute of Virology (NIV-Pune), are closely monitoring influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases, and clinical trends to track potential clusters. Read this | Mint Explainer: Why NIV Pune study on presence of Covid virus in stool, urine samples is important The aim is to stay ahead of any escalation in cases, particularly given past surges, the scientist said. While the government maintains that the vaccinated population is unlikely to experience severe illness, health officials are monitoring hospitalization data and genotyping samples to detect any emerging variants. 'The government is assessing potential actions and tracking clinical data across the country. If we notice a sudden rise in hospitalizations, we will closely examine the details," the senior government scientist said. 'The Indian population is largely vaccinated, and breakthrough infections are unlikely to have a significant impact…However, caution is necessary." Genotyping is in progress at NIV to identify circulating strains and detect any new variants, according to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former ICMR director general and ex-WHO chief scientist. Queries sent to India's health ministry and the Department of Biotechnology remained unanswered at the time of publishing. 'Countries with good surveillance are reporting a spike in SARSCov2 infections in recent weeks," Swaminathan said. 'In India, the ICMR ILI and SARI surveillance network has shown a relative increase in the percentage of SARSCoV2 as a cause of both mild and severe respiratory like Bengaluru that are doing waste water surveillance in collaboration with institutions like Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), are also seeing a spike" Swaminathan noted that despite widespread vaccination, covid-19 continues to cause respiratory infections, severe disease, and deaths worldwide. She advised the public to continue wearing masks in crowded places, maintain hand hygiene, and seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms like breathlessness or high fever. Read this | Centre to take over polio surveillance from WHO, dismantle the UN agency's programme New variants, regional spread The rise in cases in India coincides with increasing covid-19 cases in Hong Kong, where sewage samples have shown a rise in the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. As of 15 May, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus reached 13.66%, compared to 6.21% four weeks earlier. Hong Kong authorities reported 81 severe cases in the past month, including 30 fatalities. According to Hong Kong's health department, covid-19 activity levels have remained high since mid-April, following two earlier active periods in 2023 and early 2024. The government expects the elevated level of cases to continue for several weeks. Dr. Sujeet Singh, former director of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), emphasized the importance of genome sequencing to assess whether the rising trend in India is linked to new covid-19 variants LF.7 and NB.1.8, identified in Singapore and Hong Kong. 'These new variants, offshoots of Omicron's JN.1 strain, have driven up transmission rates in Southeast Asia," Singh said. He added that if these variants are circulating in India, health authorities need to closely monitor transmission patterns and identify which regions are affected. 'We must remain vigilant, particularly with sewage samples. Past trends indicate that a spike in viral load is often followed by a rise in cases two weeks later," he said. Singh noted that areas showing higher viral loads should be closely monitored for increases in respiratory cases and hospitalizations to assess severity and any similarities with the patterns seen in Singapore and Hong Kong. Also read | Mint Explainer: The official 'data fog' on India's covid toll has finally cleared up. Here's what we know now. India is likely to have lost 533,665 people to the coronavirus pandemic, according to official estimates. However, Mint calculations from the demographic survey Sample Registration System (SRS), whose report the government published on 7 May, show that these deaths were undercounted and likely ran into millions.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
In a first, India to conduct experiments aboard ISS to study sustainability of life in space
NEW DELHI: India is all set to conduct the first ever biological experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study the sustainability of human life in space, ministry of science & technology announced on Thursday. The initiative comes as a part of BioE3 Biotechnology policy launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "In a historic initiative, the first of its kind ever in the world, India is set to conduct first-ever biological experiments aboard the "International Space Station" (ISS) to study the sustainability of human life in Space," science and technology minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X. "The unique experiments, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation #Isro in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology #DBT, will be carried out as part of the upcoming International Space Station (ISS) mission Axiom-4, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member. The DBT has undertaken this ambitious project as a sequel to the "#BioE3" Biotechnology policy launched by PM Sh @NarendraModi," he added. The experiments led by Isro in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) are set to take place aboard the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, with astronaut group captain Shubhanshu Shukla among the crew, according to a statement by the department. "This project is a joint initiative of Isro, Nasa, and DBT and aims to analyze key growth parameters and changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of different algal species in space, as compared to Earth-based controls. The results will help identify the most suitable microalgal species for use in space environments, he added," the statement said. The second experiment aboard the ISS will examine how cyanobacteria like Spirulina and Synechococcus grow and respond at the proteomic level in microgravity, using both urea- and nitrate-based nutrient media, it said.
