Latest news with #Spirulina
Hans India
2 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
2 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
2 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.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
India to conduct first biological experiments aboard ISS: Jitendra Singh
India is set to conduct its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study the sustainability of human life in space, Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said on Thursday. An important initiative under the BioE3, these 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. Singh said the first experiment at the ISS will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on the growth of edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich potential food source for long-duration space missions. This project is a joint initiative of Isro, NASA, and DBT and aims to analyse 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. Microalgae offer several key advantages that make them ideal candidates for sustaining life in space. They have an extremely short life cycle, with some species growing in as little as 26 hours, allowing for rapid biomass production. The second experiment at the ISS will study the growth and proteomic responses of cyanobacteria, such as Spirulina and Synechococcus, under microgravity conditions using urea- and nitrate-based media. Singh said the need to recycle carbon and nitrogen from human waste during prolonged space travel to achieve self-sustainability in spacecraft and future extraterrestrial colonies. Cyanobacteria, due to their fast growth and efficient photosynthesis, are ideal agents for such recycling systems, he said. According to the minister, the experiment aims to explore Spirulina as a "superfood" due to its high protein and vitamin content, compare the growth of cyanobacterial cells in urea versus nitrate environments, and study the effect of space conditions on their metabolic profiles. The experiments have been developed in association with scientists from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, under the broader Isro-DBT research collaboration.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Pret a Manger fans race to buy 2 new colourful dessert-inspired drinks
Two new unique and colourful latte drinks have been launched at Pret A Manger recently and are said to offer a 'fresh twist' - coffee lovers have been rushing out to try them Fans are rushing to get their hands on two brand new, unique drinks launched at Pret a Manger that come in fun colours and are inspired by desserts. It is the first time we have seen such a wacky but interesting flavoured drinks in the line-up from the high street coffee shop. As temperatures warm up, many of us are swapping our hot cups of coffee for iced delights. Coffee giants are selling a range of matcha flavours and iced lattes with delicious, sweet flavours. Pret A Manger has created a unique twist on the classic iced latte - and launched a purple latte and a blue one. Inspired by wellness flavours and social media trends, the new lattes are as delicious as they are Instagrammable - and they are available now for a limited time across UK shops. You can now order the Ube Brûlée and Spirulina Macaron lattes, both priced at £4.70. The new Ube Brûlée Iced Latte features the subtly sweet, nutty flavour of purple yam blended with caramel syrup combined with Pret's signature organic espresso served with milk and over ice. Meanwhile, the new Spirulina Macaron Iced Latte combines blue spirulina with sweet macaron syrup over Pret's organic espresso, milk and ice, giving a bold new twist in a striking blue hue. This is not the first Spirulina product to hit Pret's shelves. Following customer interest in Pret's Blueberry Balance Bowl which first launched in January, the new Spirulina Iced Latte builds on the success of that product but now with a refreshing twist. Briony Raven, Chief Customer & Product Offer at Pret A Manger said: "Iced coffee continues to boom in the UK, and at Pret we've been investing to make sure our customers can enjoy even more choice — especially when the sun's out. "We've invested heavily in making sure more than 90% of our shops have ice machines to give customers the opportunity to enjoy more Barista-made iced drinks and we're proud to launch Ube and Spirulina iced lattes, bringing bold new flavours and colours to our menu. These new drinks are a fun, fresh twist for customers this summer and sit alongside favourites like our Iced Matcha Latte and Iced Americano." Viral food reviewer Emily Jade, recently rushed out to try the new lattes. The content creator, who boasts over 459,000 followers on TikTok, first tucked into the Ube Brûlée Iced Latte. Emily said: "It's literally purple, it looks so my god that's good. I love the colour but honestly I'm not really getting the Ube flavour I'm just getting a sweet kind of flavour. I definitely get the crème brulee vibe." Moving onto the Spirulina Macaron latte, Emily said: "I think the colours are so cool. It tastes really good, but it does just taste really strong of coffee like I'm not getting any other flavour with this. It's good but I definitely prefer the other one." Meanwhile vegan food viewer Mairead, from Manchester, also rushed out to try the treats - and approves of the the Spirulina Macaron. She said: "It's not super just got a nice, subtle macaron flavour to it." She also noted she could taste hints of vanilla and coconut.
