Biotech Industry Examiner’s Post

Ensuring astronaut 🧑🚀 health during #space missions necessitates careful monitoring and potential modulation of their microbiomes 🧫 . Historically, documenting microbial changes during spaceflight has been challenging due to mission constraints and limited sampling opportunities. Christine Gatt and myself had the opportunity to be part of this study. Our recent six-month longitudinal study provided a high-resolution analysis of the human microbiome response to three days in orbit for four SpaceX astronauts. Utilizing paired metagenomics and metatranscriptomics along with single-nuclei immune cell profiling, we examined time-dependent, multikingdom microbiome changes across 750 samples from 10 body sites at eight different timepoints before, during, and after spaceflight !! Key findings include transient microbiome changes across body sites, such as increased viruses in skin during flight, and longer-term shifts in the oral microbiome, including increased plaque-associated bacteria correlated with immune cell gene expression. Additionally, microbial genes related to phage activity, toxin-antitoxin systems, and stress responses were enriched across multiple body sites. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into microbiome and immune response shifts experienced by astronauts during short-term spaceflight. These findings can inform the design of future missions, spacecraft 🚀 , and space habitats to better support astronaut health. Please see the full text published under SOMA right here -> https://lnkd.in/eHccWsHr University of Malta RIDT Malta Mater Dei Hospital - Malta

Spaceflight induces significant changes in astronauts' 🧑🚀 immune responses. To better understand this phenomenon, Christopher Mason David Furman JangKeun Kim and others have generated comprehensive single-cell, multi-ome, cell-free RNA (cfRNA), biochemical, and hematology data from the SpaceX Inspiration4 (I4) mission crew. Their analysis revealed alterations in 18 cytokines/chemokines related to inflammation, aging, and muscle homeostasis post-spaceflight. In the I4 single-cell multi-omics data, they also identified a distinct "spaceflight signature" of gene expression characterized by enrichment in oxidative phosphorylation, UV response, immune function, and TCF21 pathways. This signature was validated in independent datasets, including the NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Twins Study, I4 skin spatial transcriptomics, and 817 NASA GeneLab mouse 🐭 transcriptomes. Notably, they observed up-regulation of FOXP3 in T cells, long-term suppression of MHC class I genes, and shifts in infection-related immune pathways associated with microbiome 🧫 changes. This study has uncovered conserved and unique immune disruptions due to spaceflight and outlines potential countermeasures to maintain astronaut health on long-duration missions. See https://lnkd.in/ei6SCzEg for the full text article under SOMA

Dr Anu R I and myself formed part of a recent #research led by Afshin Beheshti and Begum Mathyk on the effects of #space travel on energy metabolism and hormone signaling in both mice 🐭 and humans. While previous studies focused on model organisms like fruit flies 🪰 and worms 🪱 , we expanded our investigation to include mice and humans. Our findings revealed that spaceflight induces significant changes in insulin and estrogen signaling in both rodents and humans. In mice, these changes were most pronounced in the liver, leading to hepatic insulin resistance and steatosis. Interestingly, different muscles responded differently, with variations observed between the soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles. In humans, spaceflight impacted genes 🧬 and pathways related to insulin and estrogen. Pathway analysis highlighted alterations in insulin resistance, estrogen signaling, stress response, and viral infection mechanisms. These results underscore the importance of further research into the metabolic and endocrinologic effects of space travel, which is crucial for the success of future interplanetary missions. This study is a significant step towards understanding how space affects our bodies and what we need to address to thrive in new environments 🚀 Please see the full text published under SOMA right here -> https://lnkd.in/eEHjwUpy Springer Nature Group Nature Portfolio Spaceomix

Whether on Earth or in space, prioritizing health is important. Read how technology intended for astronaut heart health monitoring on spaceflight missions is making strides to improve the quality of life for heart failure patients on our home planet. https://lnkd.in/evzTv2sA #NASA #Science #Technology #astronauthealth #medicaltechnology #ForTheBenefitOfAll

🚀 As the world deepen into Space, we encounter unique challenges that require innovative solutions. At Fondazione E. Amaldi, we are interested in the insights gained from studying the effects of space travel on the human body that are driving significant advancements in personalized medicine here on Earth. 👩🏼🚀 Microgravity and Human Health: Research conducted in microgravity environments provides critical data on how the human body adapts to extreme conditions. These findings are instrumental in understanding and combating diseases such as osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular issues. Personalized treatments developed from this research are enhancing the health and well-being of both astronauts and terrestrial patients. ☢️ Radiation Exposure and Genetic Resilience: Space missions expose astronauts to higher levels of cosmic radiation, offering a unique opportunity to study its impact on human DNA. By analyzing genetic resilience and identifying protective measures, we are pioneering personalized strategies to mitigate radiation-induced health risks for future space travelers and cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. 👨🏻⚕️ Telemedicine and Remote Health Monitoring: Innovations in telemedicine, driven by the need for remote healthcare solutions in space, are revolutionizing personalized medicine on Earth. Advanced health monitoring systems and AI-driven diagnostics developed for space missions are now being applied to provide personalized, real-time healthcare for patients in remote or underserved areas. Fondazione E. Amaldi aims, through research and collaboration, to push the boundaries of textile technology and functionalize materials that not only meet the stringent demands of Space exploration but also improve the quality of life on Earth.   Consorzio di ricerca Hypatia | Agenzia Spaziale Italiana| European Space Agency - ESA #FondazioneEAmaldi #italygivingyouspace #SpaceInnovation #TextileTechnology #PersonalizedMedicine #HealthAndSafety #SpaceToEarth

Prioritizing health is important on Earth, and it’s even more important in space. Exploring beyond the Earth’s surface exposes humans to conditions that can impact blood pressure, bone density, immune health, and much more. With this in mind, two NASA inventors joined forces 20 years ago to create a way to someday monitor astronaut heart […] | Click below to read the full article on Sunalei

It has been an eventful fortnight! Last week I passed my PhD viva. This week I started a new research placement investigating genetic variant effect predictors for rare disease with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, and a few papers I worked on during my PhD are out as part of a huge Nature Portfolio #spacebiology community package. Some quick paper summaries: Transcriptomics analysis reveals molecular alterations underpinning spaceflight dermatology 🤚 https://lnkd.in/dZzrjgJC: We analysed data from mice and humans flown to space across different missions to highlight the impact of mission factors, such as collagen gene regulation from hypergravity during landing, and to identify molecular patterns including impaired skin barrier function (Filaggrin is a particular gene to follow-up on!) - which may underlie the commonality of skin problems reported by astronauts and could hopefully serve as a path towards prevention. Astronaut omics and the impact of space on the human body at scale 👨🚀 https://lnkd.in/d6vdTAgW: We discuss the history and future of international human spaceflight from an omics perspective, including routinely collecting multi-omics from astronauts, spaceflight personalised medicine, and challenges of astronaut personal data policy. Spaceflight induces changes in gene expression profiles linked to insulin and oestrogen 💉 https://lnkd.in/dqhe2-2r: In this multi-tissue analysis we found spaceflight induced changes in insulin and oestrogen signalling in rodents and humans, with important implications for reproductive and metabolic health in space. Lots of other interesting papers in the #spaceomics package at the collection page: https://lnkd.in/dMgrxWXJ or snazzy landing page: https://lnkd.in/d9BMAbt7 LinkedIn won't let me tag everyone but thanks for all of the collaborators and datasets that were made accessible NASA GeneLab, SpaceX #Inspiration4, Jonas Elsborg, Pinar Avci, Afshin Beheshti, Matt MacKay, Lindsay Rutter, Christopher Mason, Masafumi Muratani, Stefania Giacomello, Begum Mathyk. It's an incredible community. I'd like to give a special thanks to Nathaniel Szewczyk for his amazing supervision throughout my PhD. #HorizonCDT #EPSRC #spaceomics ISSOP- International Standards for Space Omics Processing

🔬 **New Research Reveals Bacteria on the Space Station are Evolving to Live in Space** 🔬 Recent genetic analysis has uncovered that microbes aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are not only thriving but also evolving to adapt to the unique conditions of space. This evolution includes: - **Increased Virulence**: Some bacteria are showing signs of increased severity, which could pose significant health risks to astronauts¹. - **Adaptations to Radiation and Microgravity**: These microbes have developed mechanisms to better survive the harsh environment of space¹. **Why is this important?** - **Health Risks**: The evolving bacteria could potentially cause infections, especially during long-duration space missions¹. - **NASA's Monitoring Efforts**: For over a decade, NASA has been closely monitoring the ISS’s microbiome to understand how these microbes survive and what threats they might pose to astronauts¹. These findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and research to ensure the safety and health of astronauts on future missions. As we push the boundaries of space exploration, understanding and mitigating these microbial risks will be crucial. #SpaceResearch #Microbiology #ISS #AstronautHealth #SpaceExploration #MedicalLaboratoryTechnology #Microbiology #Phlebotomy #LaboratoryTesting #DiagnosticTesting #HealthcareProfessional #MedicalTesting #ClinicalLaboratory #BiomedicalScience #HealthcareIndustry #MedicalScience #LaboratoryMedicine #ClinicalMicrobiology #InfectionControl #PhlebotomyTechnician #MedicalLabTechnician #MicrobiologyLab #ClinicalLab #HealthcareCareer #MedicalCareer #ScienceCareer #COVID19Testing #Virology #Bacteriology #Parasitology #MolecularDiagnosis #GeneticTesting #Cytology #Histopathology #Immunology #Serology [New Scientist](https://lnkd.in/dnqb-UUs) Source: (1) Bacteria on the space station are evolving for life in space. https://lnkd.in/dnqb-UUs. (2) NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 to conduct space station research. https://lnkd.in/dQwHnX6g. (3) Newly discovered bacteria on space station could help astronauts grow .... https://lnkd.in/dYQ2sAGZ. (4) Bacterium on International Space Station Developing Drug Resistance. https://lnkd.in/d7AmTjMZ.

Understanding Astronauts' Microbiomes: A Key to Successful Deep Space Missions, Vienna. Austria (SPX) Feb 12, 2024 Space exploration is a venture filled with complexities and risks, necessitating meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of the myriad challenges that come with living in space. At the forefront of these challenges is the health of astronauts, subjected to extreme conditions like microgravity, ionizing radiation, and significant environmental shifts. Emerging as a critical field of

The Perishable Lifeline: Medication Challenges in Space Exploration The prospect of human exploration to Mars is a tantalizing goal, yet it presents numerous challenges, from the physiological effects of spaceflight to the technical intricacies of spacecraft engineering. One critical aspect often overlooked is the potential for medical emergencies during the long journey. A recent study has highlighted a particularly concerning issue: the limited shelf life of many medications. The research, published in the journal npj Microgravity, examined the medications available on the International Space Station (ISS). The findings were sobering. Many of the essential drugs, including painkillers, antibiotics, and even life-saving medications, have shelf lives of three years or less. Given that a Mars mission is estimated to take around 36 months, this poses a significant risk to astronaut health and safety. The implications are profound. Astronauts could find themselves without effective medication during the latter stages of a mission. This could lead to complications for existing conditions or a compromised ability to treat new illnesses that may arise during the journey. The psychological impact of knowing that medical resources are dwindling could be substantial. The study emphasises the need for innovative solutions to this problem. These might include developing medications with extended shelf lives, exploring new drug delivery methods, or conducting further research into the effects of spaceflight on medication stability. Careful selection of medications for long-duration missions will be crucial. While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. By addressing this issue proactively, space agencies can mitigate risks and ensure the health and well-being of astronauts on future deep space missions. The successful exploration of Mars and beyond depends not only on technological advancements but also on meticulous planning and preparation, including the careful consideration of even the most mundane aspects of human survival, such as the availability of essential medications. This research serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in human spaceflight and the importance of comprehensive planning to ensure the safety of astronauts. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, addressing such challenges will be essential for the success of these ambitious endeavors. The potential expiration of medications during long-duration space missions, such as a journey to Mars, poses a significant challenge for astronaut health management. With many medications having a shelf life of three years or less, there's a risk that essential treatments could lose efficacy before the mission's completion, particularly for serious conditions. Future strategies may also include developing more stable formulations or advancing in-mission pharmaceutical manufacturing.