Latest news with #LifeSciencesGlovebox
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Axiom-4 crew to continue experiments, make the most of bonus days at ISS
With their stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) extended by three days, till July 14, the Axiom-4 crew plans to continue performing scientific experiments. On Thursday, NASA confirmed that they were awaiting suitable weather conditions, and the undocking of the Axiom-4 Dragon will be no earlier than July 14 (4.30 pm IST Monday). In the past 16 days since reaching the ISS, the four-member crew—including mission commander Peggy Whitson, India's Shubhanshu Shukla, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland and Hungary's Tibor Kapu—has performed over 60 experiments cutting across biomedical science, advanced materials, neuroscience, agriculture and space technology. Axiom Space stated on Thursday that the Ax-4 mission has performed the maximum scientific experiments compared to its previous missions. These investigations could transform the future of human space exploration and life on Earth, with potential breakthroughs in areas such as diabetes management, innovative cancer treatments, and enhanced monitoring of human health and performance, it added. One of the key experiments Shukla has conducted involves the study of space microalgae to understand their potential to produce food, oxygen and biofuels. Their resilience and versatility could be useful in supporting human life on long-duration missions to space. Performing centrifugation of cyanobacteria, Shukla compared the two strains of these photosynthetic microorganisms, aiming to understand how microgravity affects their growth, cellular behaviour and biochemical activity. He performed microscopic observations and collected cellular samples for the myogenesis study. Leads from this work could strategise and plan ways to protect astronaut health during extended missions, say to the Moon or Mars in future. Besides, the insights from this experiment could come in handy to improve existing treatments offered for muscle-wasting conditions on Earth, including those linked to ageing and immobility. Another key task was to closely observe and record the effect of microgravity on body muscles, for which Shukla conducted a detailed investigation of muscle atrophy using the Life Sciences Glovebox facility onboard the ISS. To get a better understanding of the process of seed germination and early plant development in space, Shukla irrigated crop seeds as part of the Sprouts project. Later, he subjected the sprouts to -80°C temperatures and attempted the study of impact of microgravity. He will cultivate the seeds upon his return to Earth, and the multiple seed generations will be examined for any changes in their genetics, microbial ecosystems and nutritional profiles. The goal is to identify plants with desirable traits for genetic analysis for sustainable farming in space. During their stay at the ISS, the astronauts have been jointly gathering data for various scientific knowledge gathering exercises. These included measuring radiation exposure using the Rad Nano Dosimeter useful for assessing the safety of the astronauts, particularly those involved in long missions aboard the ISS; tests performed to improve the understanding of mental and heart health while in space; and the human body's adaptability capabilities to the space environment and heat transfer in microgravity through clothing. In addition, a neuromuscular electrical stimulation session was conducted to explore the potential interventions to counter muscle loss or atrophy under microgravity conditions. The Axiom-4 was launched on June 25 for a period of 14 days.
India Today
6 days ago
- Science
- India Today
These pictures show India's Shubhanshu Shukla is loving it in space
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew has crossed the halfway mark of their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), intensifying efforts to unravel the mysteries of life in microgravity and pave the way for future deep-space Pilot Shubhanshu 'Shux' Shukla is at the forefront of research into how microgravity accelerates muscle atrophy. Latest pictures show how he is enjoying his stay in zero gravity while working on the science sent from performing advanced microscopy and collecting cellular samples for the ongoing myogenesis study, Shux is helping scientists understand why muscle tissue deteriorates so rapidly in space. The Ax-4 crew is also contributing to the Wireless Acoustics project. (Photo: Axiom) Insights from this work are crucial for developing interventions to protect astronaut health during long-duration missions, such as those planned for UNDERWAYShux has also redeployed a culture bag for the Space Micro Algae experiment. Microalgae are being studied for their remarkable potential to support life beyond Earth—they can generate food, oxygen, and even in cultivating microalgae aboard the ISS could make them indispensable for future lunar and Martian outposts, providing sustainable life support and resource recycling. Ax-4 Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla carries out operations for the myogenesis study in the Life Sciences Glovebox aboard the International Space Station. (Photo: Axiom) The Ax-4 team, including Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Specialists Sawosz 'Suave' Uznaski-Winiewski, and Tibor Kapu, has maintained a relentless pace of scientific activity:Tibor Kapu observed the Fruit Fly DNA Repair study, which examines how space radiation affects genetic integrity. Shubhanshu Shukla looking out of the cupola of the Space Station. (Photo: Axiom Space) By analysing how fruit fly DNA responds to the harsh conditions of orbit, researchers hope to develop strategies to shield human DNA from similar dangers during interplanetary crew contributed to the Wireless Acoustics project, evaluating a wearable acoustic monitor that measures sound levels throughout the station. This device is being assessed for comfort and accuracy, with its readings compared to those from traditional fixed sound meters. Shux testing his photography skills in space. (Photo: Axiom) Axiom added that a crewmember underwent an ultrasound scan as part of a project tracking cardiovascular and balance system changes. This study aims to enable real-time, AI-driven health monitoring for astronauts, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare both in space and on the Ax-4 mission progresses, the crew's dedication to research, technology demonstrations, and outreach continues to expand humanity's understanding of living and thriving beyond our home planet.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom-4: Bengaluru 'water bears' serve their purpose in space
Pics credit: Axiom Space He may have witnessed more than a hundred sunrises and sunsets from orbit, but for Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla , the first eight days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been a whirlwind of scientific discovery. While six of the seven Isro-led experiments are underway, tardigrades or 'water bears' that travelled all the way from Bengaluru to the orbital lab some 400 km from Earth, have served their purpose in space. Shux, who kicked off his scientific experiments with Myogenesis — to investigate the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in microgravity inside the Life Sciences Glovebox, marked his first week in orbit by completing the study on tardigrades or 'water bears'. 'Shukla has successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving Tardigrades onboard the ISS,' Isro confirmed. The next step would be for the principal investigators to analyse the data obtained from experiments conducted by Shux. The study focused on tardigrades' survival, revival, and reproductive behaviour in space. It will provide valuable insights into the underlying biological mechanisms leading to resilience of extremophile organisms in microgravity environments and has potential applications on Earth especially in the area of therapeutics,' Isro confirmed. Bengaluru 'Water Bears' The water bears at ISS were studied in the Voyager Tardigrades experiment designed by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Biochemist Sandeep Eswarappa and team at IISc, who spent over five years studying tardigrades, resilient microscopic organisms that have survived five mass extinctions, discovered a Paramacrobiotus species with an astonishing defence: When exposed to lethal ultraviolet radiation, this species absorbs the harmful rays and emits harmless blue fluorescence instead. That was the first direct experimental evidence of photoprotective fluorescence in any organism. And, it is this 'Bengaluru strain' of the tardigrade that has flown to the ISS with Shux. Other experiments Shux's first eight days in orbit as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission have been defined not just by spectacle, but also a series of intricate biological investigations that could transform both future space missions and life on Earth. The Myogenesis study, on the other hand, is progressing with planned interventions and recording of observations as per the experiment protocol. In parallel, other Indian experiments for studying selected strains of microalgae and cyanobacteria under space conditions are ongoing, contributing to research on regenerative life support systems and crew nutrition. 'As part of the Electronic Displays human research study, Shux carried out daily software-based cognitive and interface assessments. The study aims to optimise crew interaction with digital systems in the unique environment of space,' Isro added. A day before the well-deserved 'rest day' upon completing half his stay at the ISS, he had begun documenting the progress of the Cyanobacteria Growth Experiment, another Isro-led study analysing how photosynthetic bacteria behave in space. These tiny organisms could one day form the backbone of life support systems on long-duration missions, recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen and aiding water regeneration. Shux also helped deploy and manage samples for the Space Microalgae investigation — another study with enormous potential. Microalgae, already valued on Earth for their rapid growth and nutritional content, are being cultivated in orbit to observe how microgravity influences their metabolism, genetic activity, and biomass yield. These hardy organisms may serve as future spacefarers' food, fuel, or even pharmaceutical source.
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
What Shubhanshu Shukla is studying at ISS
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla conducted a series of experiments — muscle loss under microgravity, digestion in space, and astronauts' mental well-being — on board the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, who is a part of the Axiom-4 space mission as part of a joint ISRO-NASA initiative, stepped into the ISS on June 26 with three other astronauts. Axiom Space, in a statement, said, 'Shux (Shukla's call sign) performed operations in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) for the myogenesis study, which could uncover how microgravity contributes to muscle loss.' 'These insights may also translate to improved treatments for muscle-wasting conditions on Earth, including those linked to ageing and immobility,' they added. A video was also filmed by the Shukla targeted at young Indian students discussing how the digestive system adapts to space. The crew on-board documented activities for the Astronaut Mental Health study, contributing to research on understanding well-being in space. 'This project can benefit others on Earth by developing remote technologies for diagnosing and treating mental disorders, particularly for individuals in isolated or challenging environments where access to mental health care is limited,' Axiom Space said. The crew also participated in an experiment designed to advance brain-computer interface technology using a specialised headset that indirectly monitors neural activity by tracking blood flow. This is a part of the PhotonGrav project, which aims to decode brain signals, paving the way for humans to control computer systems using only their thoughts. 'For future space missions, this kind of interface could streamline how astronauts interact with spacecraft systems, especially in high-stress or hands-free scenarios. Back on Earth, the same technology could advance neurorehabilitation and assistive devices, offering new hope for people with mobility or communication challenges,' Axiom Space said.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Axiom-4: Shubhanshu Shukla starts microgravity research with experiment on skeletal muscle degradation
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has officially begun his scientific mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission . On June 29, 2025, he initiated microgravity research , including a critical experiment on muscle degradation known as Myogenesis. The study, conducted in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG), aims to uncover how skeletal muscles deteriorate in space, a key health concern for astronauts. Shukla's work is part of a broader Indo-international collaboration involving ISRO , NASA , and Axiom Space, marking a significant milestone in India's growing footprint in space-based life sciences research. Studying muscle loss and brain function in space The Myogenesis experiment, proposed by Bengaluru-based Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), is one of seven ISRO-backed microgravity experiments selected for this mission. Using the ISS's Life Sciences Glovebox, Shukla is exploring how muscles degrade in space, a problem that affects astronauts on long-duration missions. By identifying the biological pathways of muscle deterioration, researchers aim to develop therapies for both astronauts and people with muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth. In parallel, the crew began the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, using ultrasound to observe how microgravity impacts blood circulation in the brain, with implications for treating stroke and hypertension. India's growing role in space-based life sciences by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brother Donates Kidney To Save Sister's Life. One Year Later, He Says, I Wish I Never Did It, When This Happens Articles Vally Undo This mission marks a crucial step for India in developing a microgravity research ecosystem. ISRO has supported seven experiments from Indian R&D labs and academic institutions, all of which Shukla will help carry out during his 14-day stay. Alongside these, NASA and ISRO are collaborating on five joint science investigations and two in-orbit STEM demonstrations. Axiom Space reports that the Axiom-4 mission includes about 60 experiments from 31 countries, making it one of the most diverse scientific missions to date. With Shukla's contributions, India is not only participating but helping lead efforts to understand the human body in space.
