Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-28DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.010
Xiaolin Ding , Yue Pang , Boxiang Zhang , Lei Zhao , Xiaoyan Niu , Dan Xu
Ultraviolet-C (UVC) irradiation is a prevalent component of the extraterrestrial radiation spectrum. To explore how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) orchestrate cellular responses under simulated space UVC radiation, we exposed human CD4⁺ T cells to varying doses of UVC (100–800 J/m²). High-dose (400 and 800 J /m²) exposure significantly reduced cell viability and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, whereas low-dose (100 and 200 J/m²) exposure triggered only modest ROS increases without compromising cell survival. At 24 h post-irradiation, microarray profiling revealed that the low-dose group was found to have a total of 155 mRNAs and 62 lncRNAs with altered expression, which were enriched in DNA damage response and p53 signaling pathways. In contrast, the high-dose group exhibited 913 mRNAs and 913 lncRNAs linked to immune and metabolic pathways. Co-expression analyses identified distinct lncRNA–mRNA networks in response to different UVC doses. Specifically, three lncRNAs were found to be positively or negatively correlated with eight DNA-repair transcripts in the low-dose group, while four lncRNAs showed positive correlations with six immune-related mRNAs in the high-dose group. These expression changes were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Notably, survival analyses in melanoma datasets implicated CDKN1A, MDM2 and lncRNA CMAHP as potential prognostic targets. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that space-level UVC doses are interpreted by dose-specific lncRNA–mRNA networks that direct either DNA damage response or immune-defense programs in CD4⁺ T cells.
{"title":"Dose-specific lncRNA–mRNA networks modulate DNA damage and immune responses in CD4⁺ T cells under simulated space UVC irradiation","authors":"Xiaolin Ding , Yue Pang , Boxiang Zhang , Lei Zhao , Xiaoyan Niu , Dan Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ultraviolet-C (UVC) irradiation is a prevalent component of the extraterrestrial radiation spectrum. To explore how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) orchestrate cellular responses under simulated space UVC radiation, we exposed human CD4⁺ T cells to varying doses of UVC (100–800 J/m²). High-dose (400 and 800 J /m²) exposure significantly reduced cell viability and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, whereas low-dose (100 and 200 J/m²) exposure triggered only modest ROS increases without compromising cell survival. At 24 h post-irradiation, microarray profiling revealed that the low-dose group was found to have a total of 155 mRNAs and 62 lncRNAs with altered expression, which were enriched in DNA damage response and p53 signaling pathways. In contrast, the high-dose group exhibited 913 mRNAs and 913 lncRNAs linked to immune and metabolic pathways. Co-expression analyses identified distinct lncRNA–mRNA networks in response to different UVC doses. Specifically, three lncRNAs were found to be positively or negatively correlated with eight DNA-repair transcripts in the low-dose group, while four lncRNAs showed positive correlations with six immune-related mRNAs in the high-dose group. These expression changes were confirmed by RT-qPCR. Notably, survival analyses in melanoma datasets implicated CDKN1A, MDM2 and lncRNA CMAHP as potential prognostic targets. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that space-level UVC doses are interpreted by dose-specific lncRNA–mRNA networks that direct either DNA damage response or immune-defense programs in CD4⁺ T cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"48 ","pages":"Pages 123-131"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Human spaceflight exposes the body to a complex array of physiological stressors that collectively alter cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, and nervous systems. Continuous biomedical monitoring produces vast, but fragmented datasets including physiological data, omics profiles, imaging, and behavioural metrics. However, these data are often analysed retrospectively rather than used dynamically to guide countermeasures in real time. Digital twin technology, which creates adaptive computational replicas of physical systems that evolve with incoming data, provides a novel framework for personalised astronaut health management. This article outlines how individualised digital twins could integrate multi-omics, physiological, and environmental data to predict deconditioning, optimise countermeasure protocols, and guide in-flight medical decisions. A phased roadmap for implementation is proposed, from Earth-based analogue validation to mission-integrated predictive modelling. Digital twins could ultimately enable precision space medicine, transforming astronaut monitoring from observation to anticipation.
{"title":"Digital twin modelling in microgravity: A framework for predictive and personalised space medicine","authors":"Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui , Rizwan Qaisar , Adel Elmoselhi , Naveed Ahmed Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human spaceflight exposes the body to a complex array of physiological stressors that collectively alter cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, and nervous systems. Continuous biomedical monitoring produces vast, but fragmented datasets including physiological data, omics profiles, imaging, and behavioural metrics. However, these data are often analysed retrospectively rather than used dynamically to guide countermeasures in real time. Digital twin technology, which creates adaptive computational replicas of physical systems that evolve with incoming data, provides a novel framework for personalised astronaut health management. This article outlines how individualised digital twins could integrate multi-omics, physiological, and environmental data to predict deconditioning, optimise countermeasure protocols, and guide in-flight medical decisions. A phased roadmap for implementation is proposed, from Earth-based analogue validation to mission-integrated predictive modelling. Digital twins could ultimately enable precision space medicine, transforming astronaut monitoring from observation to anticipation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"48 ","pages":"Pages 37-39"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Extended periods of microgravity during orbital flights can impair astronauts' cognitive abilities, including learning and memory, posing a persistent health concern in the field of aerospace medicine. The study examined the pharmacological effects of agmatine and its influence on simulated neurobehavioral changes in rats under microgravity conditions. Rats were exposed to simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions using the hindlimb unloading (HU) model for 28 days and evaluated for behavioural alterations using the open field test, elevated plus maze, and forced swim test, and cognitive deficits using the novel object recognition test and Morris water maze. Further, brain agmatine levels, neurochemical and structural alterations in the hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex were examined. Chronic agmatine treatment dose-dependently (40 and 80mg/kg) and its endogenous modulation by l-arginine, and aminoguanidine prevented behavioral and cognitive deficits by improving exploratory behaviour, reducing anxiety-depressive-like symptoms, and enhancing cognitive performance. Our findings reported a significant reduction in agmatine levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in SMG conditions. Agmatine administration and its modulation normalized neurotransmitter imbalances, especially by restoring the reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and serotonin, along with a reduction of elevated levels of glutamate in SMG conditions. Moreover, agmatine decreased reactive oxygen species production, enhanced hippocampal antioxidant enzyme activities, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and improved IL-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in HU rats. Moreover, agmatine and its endogenous modulation preserved neuronal cells of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, the present study suggests that agmatine administration and modulation of endogenous agmatine levels effectively mitigate SMG-induced neurological dysregulation through neuroprotection and neuromodulation. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects opens up new possibilities for creating novel interventions targeting agmatinergic signaling in spaceflight conditions and associated complications.
{"title":"Neuroprotective and neuromodulatory role of agmatine in mitigating simulated microgravity-induced cognitive and behavioral deficits in rats","authors":"Pankaj Neje, Sayli Kulkarni, Shalakha Dabhekar, Brijesh Taksande, Milind Umekar, Shubhada Mangrulkar","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extended periods of microgravity during orbital flights can impair astronauts' cognitive abilities, including learning and memory, posing a persistent health concern in the field of aerospace medicine. The study examined the pharmacological effects of agmatine and its influence on simulated neurobehavioral changes in rats under microgravity conditions. Rats were exposed to simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions using the hindlimb unloading (HU) model for 28 days and evaluated for behavioural alterations using the open field test, elevated plus maze, and forced swim test, and cognitive deficits using the novel object recognition test and Morris water maze. Further, brain agmatine levels, neurochemical and structural alterations in the hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex were examined. Chronic agmatine treatment dose-dependently (40 and 80mg/kg) and its endogenous modulation by <span>l</span>-arginine, and aminoguanidine prevented behavioral and cognitive deficits by improving exploratory behaviour, reducing anxiety-depressive-like symptoms, and enhancing cognitive performance. Our findings reported a significant reduction in agmatine levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in SMG conditions. Agmatine administration and its modulation normalized neurotransmitter imbalances, especially by restoring the reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and serotonin, along with a reduction of elevated levels of glutamate in SMG conditions. Moreover, agmatine decreased reactive oxygen species production, enhanced hippocampal antioxidant enzyme activities, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and improved IL-10 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in HU rats. Moreover, agmatine and its endogenous modulation preserved neuronal cells of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, the present study suggests that agmatine administration and modulation of endogenous agmatine levels effectively mitigate SMG-induced neurological dysregulation through neuroprotection and neuromodulation. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects opens up new possibilities for creating novel interventions targeting agmatinergic signaling in spaceflight conditions and associated complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"48 ","pages":"Pages 99-110"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.013
Hayley N. Brawley , Isaac D. Juárez , Dmitry Kurouski , Sara R. Zwart , Scott M. Smith
Raman spectroscopy has gained prominence in biological and medical applications due to its ability to detect biomolecules in a non-destructive and real-time manner. This is particularly valuable for space missions, where in situ biomarker analysis is crucial for monitoring astronaut health on missions where timely sample return is not possible. The challenges associated with detecting low-abundance biomarkers in a complex biological matrix, such as blood, can be addressed through surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This study represents a ground-based preliminary investigation into the use of SERS in combination with portable Raman spectroscopy for in situ blood biomarker detection. We aimed to assess whether signal enhancement could be achieved using the Agilent Vaya™ Raman spectrometer with AuNPs, under minimal sample processing conditions. The handheld portable device reliably captured albumin-dominated Raman spectra from both serum and plasma. When combined with AuNPs, SERS amplification revealed additional weak spectral bands, presumably from low-abundance biomolecules otherwise masked by dominant protein signals, resulting in an average signal increase of 67 %. These findings demonstrate that portable SERS-based Raman spectroscopy can uncover subtle biochemical information from complex, unfiltered samples, supporting its utility for future real-time biomarker monitoring in resource-limited environments such as spaceflight.
{"title":"Feasibility of portable Raman SERS for blood biomarker monitoring in spaceflight conditions","authors":"Hayley N. Brawley , Isaac D. Juárez , Dmitry Kurouski , Sara R. Zwart , Scott M. Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Raman spectroscopy has gained prominence in biological and medical applications due to its ability to detect biomolecules in a non-destructive and real-time manner. This is particularly valuable for space missions, where in situ biomarker analysis is crucial for monitoring astronaut health on missions where timely sample return is not possible. The challenges associated with detecting low-abundance biomarkers in a complex biological matrix, such as blood, can be addressed through surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This study represents a ground-based preliminary investigation into the use of SERS in combination with portable Raman spectroscopy for in situ blood biomarker detection. We aimed to assess whether signal enhancement could be achieved using the Agilent Vaya™ Raman spectrometer with AuNPs, under minimal sample processing conditions. The handheld portable device reliably captured albumin-dominated Raman spectra from both serum and plasma. When combined with AuNPs, SERS amplification revealed additional weak spectral bands, presumably from low-abundance biomolecules otherwise masked by dominant protein signals, resulting in an average signal increase of 67 %. These findings demonstrate that portable SERS-based Raman spectroscopy can uncover subtle biochemical information from complex, unfiltered samples, supporting its utility for future real-time biomarker monitoring in resource-limited environments such as spaceflight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"48 ","pages":"Pages 216-224"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.009
Xinli Yu , Jiaxi Li , Yuchen Wang , Jun Zhou , Xuemin Li , Li Ding
Visual impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome has been recognized as a major health risk during long-duration spaceflight, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Terrestrial high-altitude hypoxia provides a relevant analog to investigate these processes. In this study, 39 healthy participants were evaluated at baseline (sea level) and during acute exposure to 3500 m, 4000 m, and 4500 m. Measurements included refraction [sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL)], intraocular pressure (IOP), and electroretinography (ERG). The results demonstrated subtle, non-significant fluctuations in refraction and IOP across different altitudes. ERG responses showed a reduction in amplitude and an increase in latency, especially a significant reduction in the amplitude of the flicker b-wave, suggesting that the inner retinal layer is extremely sensitive to hypoxia. Regression analyses identified a significant negative association between IOP and flicker B-wave amplitude (β = −0.307, p = 0.031), whereas no significant associations were found between refractive status and ERG parameters. These findings suggest that acute hypoxic exposure affects retinal function while subtly altering ocular optics, reflecting aspects of the VIIP syndrome and acute mountain sickness (AMS). Therefore, our findings provide a rationale for future validation of noninvasive ocular measurements, including refraction and ERG, as candidate biomarkers for hypoxia-related visual and neurological risk in both high-altitude and spaceflight environments.
视障和颅内压综合征已被认为是长时间航天飞行期间的主要健康风险，但其潜在机制仍未完全了解。陆地高海拔缺氧为研究这些过程提供了一个相关的类比。在这项研究中，39名健康参与者在基线（海平面）和急性暴露于3500米、4000米和4500米时进行了评估。测量包括屈光[球体（SPH），圆柱体（CYL）]，眼压（IOP）和视网膜电图（ERG）。结果显示，在不同的海拔高度，折射和眼压有细微的、不显著的波动。ERG反应表现为幅度降低和潜伏期增加，尤其是闪烁b波幅度显著降低，提示视网膜内层对缺氧极为敏感。回归分析发现IOP与闪烁b波振幅呈显著负相关（β = - 0.307, p = 0.031），而屈光状态与ERG参数无显著相关。这些发现表明，急性缺氧暴露会影响视网膜功能，同时微妙地改变眼部光学，反映了VIIP综合征和急性高原病（AMS）的某些方面。因此，我们的研究结果为未来验证无创眼部测量（包括屈光和ERG）作为高海拔和航天环境中与缺氧相关的视觉和神经风险的候选生物标志物提供了理论依据。
{"title":"Dynamic changes in ocular and retinal function across acute hypobaric hypoxia","authors":"Xinli Yu , Jiaxi Li , Yuchen Wang , Jun Zhou , Xuemin Li , Li Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.11.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Visual impairment and intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome has been recognized as a major health risk during long-duration spaceflight, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Terrestrial high-altitude hypoxia provides a relevant analog to investigate these processes. In this study, 39 healthy participants were evaluated at baseline (sea level) and during acute exposure to 3500 m, 4000 m, and 4500 m. Measurements included refraction [sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL)], intraocular pressure (IOP), and electroretinography (ERG). The results demonstrated subtle, non-significant fluctuations in refraction and IOP across different altitudes. ERG responses showed a reduction in amplitude and an increase in latency, especially a significant reduction in the amplitude of the flicker b-wave, suggesting that the inner retinal layer is extremely sensitive to hypoxia. Regression analyses identified a significant negative association between IOP and flicker B-wave amplitude (β = −0.307, <em>p</em> = 0.031), whereas no significant associations were found between refractive status and ERG parameters. These findings suggest that acute hypoxic exposure affects retinal function while subtly altering ocular optics, reflecting aspects of the VIIP syndrome and acute mountain sickness (AMS). Therefore, our findings provide a rationale for future validation of noninvasive ocular measurements, including refraction and ERG, as candidate biomarkers for hypoxia-related visual and neurological risk in both high-altitude and spaceflight environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"48 ","pages":"Pages 188-195"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-08-16DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.08.003
Aditya Abhijeet Guha , S. Harish , V. Sendhilvel , S. Ramasubramoniam , M. Siva
With the evolving circumstances on Earth and the burgeoning scientific interest in space, space exploration is experiencing significant growth. As human presence in space increases, the necessity for cultivating fresh food becomes a critical consideration for astronauts' health and psychological well-being. Consequently, 'space farming' emerges as a vital area of research for the future. However, the conditions in space differ markedly from those on Earth, exposing plants and humans to various abiotic stressors, one of which is microgravity. Microgravity refers to the diminished gravitational force experienced by objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This microgravity stress adversely impacts plant physiology, compromising their immune systems to varying degrees. Despite rigorous sanitation protocols, microbial contamination has been documented aboard the International Space Station (ISS), with some of these microbes identified as plant pathogens, exemplified by the infection of Zinnia hybrida by Fusarium oxysporum. Prior research indicates that the pathogenicity of these plant pathogens is exacerbated under microgravity conditions. Furthermore, microbes may undergo previously unobserved morphological changes, such as the formation of microcolonies in Ulocladium chartarum. Exposure to microgravity also facilitates alterations in the endophytic communities within crops and expands the potential for cross-kingdom interactions, including the stomatal entry of the human pathogen Salmonella species. This review discusses the implications of microgravity on plants, plant pathogens/plant growth-promoting microbes, their interactions with one another and the need for understanding these interactions for future space missions.
{"title":"Insights into the effect of microgravity on phytopathogens and plant-associated microbes","authors":"Aditya Abhijeet Guha , S. Harish , V. Sendhilvel , S. Ramasubramoniam , M. Siva","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.08.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.08.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the evolving circumstances on Earth and the burgeoning scientific interest in space, space exploration is experiencing significant growth. As human presence in space increases, the necessity for cultivating fresh food becomes a critical consideration for astronauts' health and psychological well-being. Consequently, 'space farming' emerges as a vital area of research for the future. However, the conditions in space differ markedly from those on Earth, exposing plants and humans to various abiotic stressors, one of which is microgravity. Microgravity refers to the diminished gravitational force experienced by objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This microgravity stress adversely impacts plant physiology, compromising their immune systems to varying degrees. Despite rigorous sanitation protocols, microbial contamination has been documented aboard the International Space Station (ISS), with some of these microbes identified as plant pathogens, exemplified by the infection of <em>Zinnia hybrida</em> by <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em>. Prior research indicates that the pathogenicity of these plant pathogens is exacerbated under microgravity conditions. Furthermore, microbes may undergo previously unobserved morphological changes, such as the formation of microcolonies in <em>Ulocladium chartarum</em>. Exposure to microgravity also facilitates alterations in the endophytic communities within crops and expands the potential for cross-kingdom interactions, including the stomatal entry of the human pathogen <em>Salmonella</em> species. This review discusses the implications of microgravity on plants, plant pathogens/plant growth-promoting microbes, their interactions with one another and the need for understanding these interactions for future space missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"48 ","pages":"Pages 2-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.008
Syed Inzimam Ul Haq, Josef Hájek, Miloš Barták
Sustainable agriculture systems utilizing in-situ resources are crucial for future human missions to the Moon and Mars. Antarctic regolith, a terrestrial analog of lunar soil, offers an opportunity to understand how plants respond physiologically to nutrient-poor extraterrestrial substrates. This study assessed biomass production and photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in Brassica rapa grown in Antarctic regolith under nutrient-enriched (Hoagland solution) and nutrient-deficient (double-distilled water) conditions, using vermiculated soil as a control and soil amendment. Biomass accumulation significantly improved with nutrient supplementation. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, qP, NPQ, and RFD, indicated severe inhibition of PSII processes and activation of photoprotective responses in the plants grown in untreated regolith. Normalized fast chlorophyll fluorescence transients (OJIPs) revealed slowed electron transport kinetics and reduced PSII efficiency in nutrient-deficient regolith-grown plants, while differential l- and K-band analyses indicated weakened PSII connectivity and partial inactivation of the oxygen-evolving complex specifically under nutrient deprivation conditions. OJIP-derived parameters (PIABS, ABS/RC, TRo/RC, ETo/RC, DIo/RC) quantitatively confirmed these functional disruptions in PSII, with nutrient supplementation reversing impairments and optimizing energy fluxes. Our results suggest Antarctic regolith can serve as a functional lunar simulant in the preflight, on-Earth experiments. Nutrient and substrate optimization can effectively maintain PSII performance high, offering a foundation for future extraterrestrial plant-based life support systems with optimized photosynthesis and biomass production.
{"title":"From Antarctic regolith to lunar greenhouses: Mechanistic insights into Brassica rapa photosystem II dynamics for sustainable space agriculture","authors":"Syed Inzimam Ul Haq, Josef Hájek, Miloš Barták","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainable agriculture systems utilizing <em>in-situ</em> resources are crucial for future human missions to the Moon and Mars. Antarctic regolith, a terrestrial analog of lunar soil, offers an opportunity to understand how plants respond physiologically to nutrient-poor extraterrestrial substrates. This study assessed biomass production and photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in <em>Brassica rapa</em> grown in Antarctic regolith under nutrient-enriched (Hoagland solution) and nutrient-deficient (double-distilled water) conditions, using vermiculated soil as a control and soil amendment. Biomass accumulation significantly improved with nutrient supplementation. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including Fv/Fm, Φ<sub>PSII</sub>, qP, NPQ, and RFD, indicated severe inhibition of PSII processes and activation of photoprotective responses in the plants grown in untreated regolith. Normalized fast chlorophyll fluorescence transients (OJIPs) revealed slowed electron transport kinetics and reduced PSII efficiency in nutrient-deficient regolith-grown plants, while differential <span>l</span>- and K-band analyses indicated weakened PSII connectivity and partial inactivation of the oxygen-evolving complex specifically under nutrient deprivation conditions. OJIP-derived parameters (PI<sub>ABS</sub>, ABS/RC, TRo/RC, ETo/RC, DIo/RC) quantitatively confirmed these functional disruptions in PSII, with nutrient supplementation reversing impairments and optimizing energy fluxes. Our results suggest Antarctic regolith can serve as a functional lunar simulant in the preflight, on-Earth experiments. Nutrient and substrate optimization can effectively maintain PSII performance high, offering a foundation for future extraterrestrial plant-based life support systems with optimized photosynthesis and biomass production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"48 ","pages":"Pages 111-122"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145996203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.007
Xiaohui Du, Yan Zhang, Qing Yang, Meng Zhang, Yeqing Sun
Plants are regarded as a core component of the life support system for crewed space missions, particularly in deep-space endeavors such as lunar and Martian missions. Therefore, understanding the responses of plants to deep-space flight is considered essential. Japonica rice dry seeds (Oryza sativa L.) were carried aboard the Chang'e 5 spacecraft on a flight to the lunar orbit for 23 days. Following their return to Earth, these seeds were planted and cultivated until the tillering and heading stages. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis with the ground control, it was found that rice plants exhibited a significantly higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during the tillering stage after lunar orbital flight compared to the heading stage, with distinct transcriptional regulatory patterns observed between the two developmental stages. During the tillering stage, dysregulated biological pathways included starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and cellular wall organization and biogenesis. These pathways also interacted with each other in a complex pattern. During the heading stage, pathways were enriched in glutathione metabolism and photosynthesis. Additionally, certain biological pathways related to defense, development, and secondary metabolism were represented in both developmental stages. In summary, our research reveals stage-specific differences in transcriptional response patterns in rice following lunar orbital flight.
{"title":"Transcriptional changes at different developmental stages of rice (Oryza sativa L.) following lunar orbit flight","authors":"Xiaohui Du, Yan Zhang, Qing Yang, Meng Zhang, Yeqing Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants are regarded as a core component of the life support system for crewed space missions, particularly in deep-space endeavors such as lunar and Martian missions. Therefore, understanding the responses of plants to deep-space flight is considered essential. Japonica rice dry seeds (<em>Oryza sativa</em> L.) were carried aboard the Chang'e 5 spacecraft on a flight to the lunar orbit for 23 days. Following their return to Earth, these seeds were planted and cultivated until the tillering and heading stages. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis with the ground control, it was found that rice plants exhibited a significantly higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during the tillering stage after lunar orbital flight compared to the heading stage, with distinct transcriptional regulatory patterns observed between the two developmental stages. During the tillering stage, dysregulated biological pathways included starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and cellular wall organization and biogenesis. These pathways also interacted with each other in a complex pattern. During the heading stage, pathways were enriched in glutathione metabolism and photosynthesis. Additionally, certain biological pathways related to defense, development, and secondary metabolism were represented in both developmental stages. In summary, our research reveals stage-specific differences in transcriptional response patterns in rice following lunar orbital flight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 124-133"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144490586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-06-07DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.002
Raghuram V. Reddy , Joshua Ong , Ryung Lee , Ritu Sampige , Ethan Waisberg , C.Robert Gibson , John Berdahl , Thomas H. Mader
Ocular surface tumors, originating from either the conjunctiva or the cornea, primarily fall into three categories of malignant or premalignant neoplasms: ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), ocular surface melanocytic tumors, and conjunctival lymphoid tumors. These neoplasms can originate from either the conjunctiva or the cornea. Exposure to space radiation, particularly galactic cosmic rays, and solar particle events, poses a significant threat to astronaut health, including the development of ocular malignancies. As such, the objective of this study was to describe the exposure risk for ocular surface malignancies, current mitigation strategies, and management considerations for a mission to Mars. The current mitigation strategies for space radiation include physical and structural shielding along with dietary interventions. Additionally, management of ocular health during a Mars mission can include holoportation, AI-powered diagnostics, newest in-space surgical technology, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and more. Conclusively, further research and collaboration amongst space and healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts during future space exploration endeavors.
{"title":"Space radiation and risk for ocular surface malignancies: Exposure risk, current mitigation strategies, and management considerations for a mission to Mars","authors":"Raghuram V. Reddy , Joshua Ong , Ryung Lee , Ritu Sampige , Ethan Waisberg , C.Robert Gibson , John Berdahl , Thomas H. Mader","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ocular surface tumors, originating from either the conjunctiva or the cornea, primarily fall into three categories of malignant or premalignant neoplasms: ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), ocular surface melanocytic tumors, and conjunctival lymphoid tumors. These neoplasms can originate from either the conjunctiva or the cornea. Exposure to space radiation, particularly galactic cosmic rays, and solar particle events, poses a significant threat to astronaut health, including the development of ocular malignancies. As such, the objective of this study was to describe the exposure risk for ocular surface malignancies, current mitigation strategies, and management considerations for a mission to Mars. The current mitigation strategies for space radiation include physical and structural shielding along with dietary interventions. Additionally, management of ocular health during a Mars mission can include holoportation, AI-powered diagnostics, newest in-space surgical technology, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and more. Conclusively, further research and collaboration amongst space and healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts during future space exploration endeavors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 69-76"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144288696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-06-11DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.006
Qiwen Deng , Yanzhong Wen , Chaosen Liu , Xinyang Yue , Jianfei Sun , Yuexia Han
In the past six decades, the progress of spaceflight projects has won the admiration of the whole world. However, how to evaluate the values of research projects remains an esoteric and cost effective question. To improve the selections in space science projects, we utilized AI tools to provide an overall framework for broader audience. Our work conducted a three-phased study. We explored space life science research as it is one of the most intensively researched areas in space science. We learned the domain science data and constructed a space science knowledge graph. Subsequently, to better extract semantic features, we introduced SpaceBERT, a pre-trained language model fine-tuned with contrastive learning. We then developed SpaceGL, a deep learning framework tailored for predicting frontier research. Lastly, we prioritized candidate space experimental projects based on AI model and compared with the real results from the science panel judges and the “Lottery model.”
{"title":"An emerging paradigm for scientific decision: the AI evaluation of space science projects","authors":"Qiwen Deng , Yanzhong Wen , Chaosen Liu , Xinyang Yue , Jianfei Sun , Yuexia Han","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the past six decades, the progress of spaceflight projects has won the admiration of the whole world. However, how to evaluate the values of research projects remains an esoteric and cost effective question. To improve the selections in space science projects, we utilized AI tools to provide an overall framework for broader audience. Our work conducted a three-phased study. We explored space life science research as it is one of the most intensively researched areas in space science. We learned the domain science data and constructed a space science knowledge graph. Subsequently, to better extract semantic features, we introduced SpaceBERT, a pre-trained language model fine-tuned with contrastive learning. We then developed SpaceGL, a deep learning framework tailored for predicting frontier research. Lastly, we prioritized candidate space experimental projects based on AI model and compared with the real results from the science panel judges and the “Lottery model.”</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 84-94"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144298452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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