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Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
ISS team with Shubhanshu Shukla, studies cancer cells in microgravity: ‘Could lead to better treatment on Earth'
The Axiom-4 mission crew, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, has begun active research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) following their successful arrival. Their initial focus includes 'microgravity acclimation' as they engage in a series of experiments aimed at advancing medicine, agriculture, and space science. India's Shubhanshu Shukla with three other astronauts and International Space Station (ISS) crew after the Axiom-4 mission's Space-X Dragon spacecraft docked to the ISS, as part of the mission.(@SpaceX) Among the key investigations is the 'Cancer in LEO-3' study, led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. This research explores how cancer cells behave in microgravity, with a specific focus on tumour organoids and a new model of triple-negative breast cancer. Scientists are analysing how these cells respond to drug treatments in space, with the objective of confirming previous findings and paving the way for innovative cancer therapies — both for patients on Earth and astronauts on extended space missions. The four astronauts launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25 and arrived at the ISS on June 26. Research on cancer could lead to better treatment on Earth In collaboration with Axiom Space, the Cancer in LEO project from the Sanford Stem Cell Institute will examine tumour organoids in microgravity, aiming to detect early indicators of cancer to improve prediction and prevention. The study is part of the expanded ISSCOR initiative, a joint effort by the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, JM Foundation, and Axiom Space, which leverages microgravity research to better understand stem cells, cancer progression, and aging—with the goal of enhancing disease prediction and developing new treatments for patients on Earth. Also Read | American woman applauds India's space programme after Shubhanshu Shukla enters ISS: 'Top space power' The Cancer in LEO-3 investigation builds upon data gathered during earlier Axiom missions focused on how cancer develops in space. This latest study will not only validate past findings on tumor organoids but also assess how a new triple-negative breast cancer model reacts to drug treatments in low Earth orbit (LEO). The research holds significant value for space exploration, as it evaluates the effects of microgravity and space radiation on cancer cell development compared to their behaviour on Earth. Insights from this work could lead to more effective cancer therapies by identifying how metastatic cancer cells respond differently in space, potentially unlocking new therapeutic targets. Also Read | Shubhanshu Shukla scripts history, becomes first Indian to enter ISS; will spend 14 days researching microgravity What role are Shubhanshu Shukla and others playing? Shubhanshu Shukla worked inside the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) to support the Myogenesis experiment, which investigates the biological processes behind skeletal muscle loss in space – a major concern for long-term spaceflight. By identifying the pathways responsible for muscle degradation, the research aims to develop targeted therapies that could benefit both astronauts and patients on Earth with muscle-wasting conditions. Shukla also participated in an outreach event, speaking directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a conversation that underscored growing global cooperation in space exploration and inspired audiences back home. Tibor Kapu deployed the Rad Nano Dosimeter, a compact device used to track radiation exposure aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Understanding space radiation's impact on the human body is vital for planning future missions to destinations like the Moon and Mars. The data gathered may also enhance Earth-based radiation safety tools in fields such as healthcare and environmental monitoring. Tibor also began setup for the Vitapric experiment, which studies how plant growth enhancers affect the development of microgreens in microgravity. The goal is to increase the nutritional content—such as vitamins, proteins, and minerals—of crops grown in space, contributing to sustainable food solutions for long-duration missions. In parallel, the Ax-4 crew launched the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, completing its initial session after installing necessary software. Using ultrasound technology, the study examines how microgravity affects blood flow in the brain. Insights from this research may help improve cardiovascular health in space and inform treatments for stroke and hypertension on Earth. Meanwhile, Peggy Whitson and Sławosz 'Suave' Uznański-Wiśniewski are preparing to join Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low in a dedicated session on space radiation. The discussion will focus on the radiation experiments underway during Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) and how these findings could improve astronaut safety on future deep space journeys.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Shared gajar ka halwa, aam ras with fellow astronauts: Shukla tells PM Modi
India's Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts react after their Space-X Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station, as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, aboard the International Space Station, shared Indian delicacies like 'gajar ka halwa' with his fellow astronauts. During his 14-day stay as part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla described to Prime Minister Modi the unique challenges of living in microgravity, including sleeping and drinking, while highlighting the scientific experiments being conducted. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India's Shubhanshu Shukla and other astronauts on the International Space Station relished delicacies such as ' gajar ka halwa ', 'moong dal halwa' and ' aam ras ' as they began their 14-day stay on the orbital shared these details in an 18-minute interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday from the International Space Station that is orbiting the earth at an altitude of 400 km."Yes, I brought 'gajar ka halwa', 'moong dal ka halwa' and 'aam ras'. I wanted everyone who has joined me from other countries to enjoy the rich Indian cuisine. All of us had it together and everyone liked it," Shukla told the prime asked Shukla whether he had shared any Indian delicacies with his fellow reached the International Space Station on Thursday along with three other astronauts as part of the commercial Axiom-4 mission for a 14-day stay during which the crew will be part of a series of science reaching the orbital lab on Thursday, Shukla and the three astronauts spent the day settling in and setting up their sleeping Peggy Whitson is located in the Airlock, Shukla in Dragon, Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski in Columbus, and Tibor Kapu in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM).They completed handover activities with the Expedition 73 crew and began acclimating to life in operational tasks were also completed, including unpacking cargo in Dragon and reviewing emergency the interaction, Shukla briefed the prime minister about various experiments being done in to how space differs from Earth, Shukla explained that everything in space feels different from the training on the ground. He added that his feet were tied while speaking to Prime Minister Modi; otherwise, he would start said simple acts like drinking water or sleeping become significant challenges in space. Shukla explained that one can sleep on the ceiling, on the walls, or wherever, since orientation becomes fluid."Adjusting to this altered environment takes a day or two, but the experience is a beautiful harmony of science and wonder," he said.
Deccan Herald
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
June 27, 2025: Best photos from around the world
Israelis enjoy the sun by the beach of the Mediterranean, in Haifa Credit: Reuters Photo Aftermath of the demonstration marking first anniversary of deadly 2024 anti-government protests, in Nairobi Credit: Reuters Photo Kim Kardashian gestures on a boat, ahead of the anticipated wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy Credit: Reuters Photo U.S. President Donald Trump holds a "One Big Beautiful" event at the White House Credit: Reuters Photo India's Shubhanshu Shukla with three other astronauts and International Space Station (ISS) crew after the Axiom-4 mission's Space-X Dragon spacecraft docked to the ISS, as part of the mission. Credit: PTI Photo Eve of Rath Yatra in Puri Credit: PTI Photo
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Son docks amid stars, parents over the moon
1 2 Lucknow: It is the biggest moment of our lives, said an emotional Shambhu Dayal Shukla, father of Shubhanshu Shukla , who along with three fellow astronauts reached the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space-X Dragon spacecraft on Thursday. Recalling how before leaving Shubhanshu had told the family, "Mission pe jaa raha hoon, poora karke milta hoon sabse (I'm going for the mission, will meet everyone once it's complete)," the proud father revealed how the 39-year-old astronaut's single-minded dedication since 2006 helped him achieve the milestone. "Even during family celebrations, he never broke his strict diet. That discipline is what has taken him this far," he added After the Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), an overwhelming wave of pride and emotion swept through Lucknow. At City Montessori School (CMS), where Shubhanshu studied till Class 12, the moment was celebrated with chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'India-India', and 'Hip Hip Hurray'. Teachers, friends, alumni, and hundreds of students rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation, waving the national flag as tears and cheers filled the air. "As a father, there are no words that can fully express what I felt when the spacecraft docked. My hands were folded in prayer, and my eyes were full of tears. That moment, it was not just a scientific milestone, it was our son fulfilling a dream he had chased with unshakable determination since his selection. He is our son, but today, he is the pride of every Indian," said Shambhu Dayal Shukla. "Shubhanshu is a true devotee of Lord Hanuman and other gods. Now, we are just praying that he completes his mission safely and returns home soon," said mother, Asha Shukla. "Watching him go from reading science books as a child to actually floating in space is beyond words. Our whole family is bursting with pride. His journey is proof that hard work, discipline, and belief can take you all the way to the stars," said, sister, Suchi Shukla. CMS manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon said, "We are delighted like all Indians, more so as he is an alumnus who has made all of us so proud."
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Astronauts back on Earth
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally back on Earth. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams finished a nine-month mission to the International Space Station on a test flight that was only supposed to last eight days. Thruster problems plagued their test flight of a Boeing Starliner space capsule. NASA decided the pair would return on a Space-X Dragon capsule. NASA insisted the astronauts were not stuck or stranded in space however, their extended stay got drawn into the political conversation. 'Biden left them up there. I have asked Elon, can you get them out? He said yes. He is preparing to go up. I think in two weeks,' said President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump says he asked NASA and Elon Musk's Space-X to move the launch of the relief crew up by a few weeks. When asked about the president's comments, Wilmore avoided the fray. 'All of us have the utmost respect for Mr. Musk, and obviously, respect and admiration for our President of the United States, Donald Trump,' said Wilmore. Williams talked about the difficulty of her prolonged stay. 'I think the hardest part is having the folks on the ground have to not know exactly when we're coming back,' said Williams. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
