. | . |
ESA explores ageing process in space by Staff Writers Paris (ESA) May 05, 2019
Wrinkles, muscle pain, high blood pressure and a clumsy brain are all natural consequences of getting old. As our cells rust over time, a key to fighting chronic disease may be in tiny, smartly designed particles that have the potential to become an anti-ageing supplement. A European experiment seeking innovative antioxidants is on its way to space. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft lifted off Saturday from Cape Canaveral, in the United States, destined for the International Space Station. Among its cargo are living cells and ceramic particles that will coexist for six days in an incubator. The samples travel cozy and warm, stored at a temperature of about 30C, to meet the stresses of life in space. Weightlessness, artificial gravity and radiation will impact the culture, and researchers on Earth are eager to know how. The Nano Antioxidants experiment looks for novel ways to stimulate cells in the battle against muscle loss, heart failure, diabetes or Parkinson's disease. Going down to the genetic level, scientists hope to find a tailored solution that will stop the detrimental effects of long stays in Earth orbit and in deep space.
Smart, tiny particles to protect cells "Nanotechnology has been explored in medicine on Earth, but its application in space is still in its infancy," says Gianni. Nanoceria taken up by the cells could act as an antioxidant agent, without the need for repeated administration, either with pills or injections. The effects could last longer than any supplement from the pharmacy - up to several weeks. In a previous experiment flown to the Space Station in 2017 the particles remained stable and provided protection to the muscle cells. Other research has tested nanoparticles to extend the life span of flies or human neurons in vitro. "The particles could regenerate themselves for days in a row," adds Gianni. This time nanoceria will spend six days inside a mini lab, doubling the length of their exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation. Housed in ESA's Columbus module, the Kubik incubator comprises a compact centrifuge that simulates gravity. Half of the samples will be kept at close to zero gravity, while the rest are exposed to the same gravity as Earth. After the ride, the particles will be stored at -80C. Researchers will compare the in-space results with a culture running in parallel on Earth to understand whether the results they observe might be related to weightlessness or another environmental factor, such as space radiation.
Antioxidant demand Findings of this research could aid the development of new supplements to support astronauts during long stays in space and future missions to the Moon. The antioxidant properties of these nanoparticles could also benefit the elderly and people with muscle atrophy disorders on Earth. They may even improve skin treatments for glowing, youthful complexions.
Scientists model DNA gene with first billion-atom biomolecular simulation Washington DC (UPI) Apr 23, 2019 Scientists have for the first time created a billion-atom biomolecular simulation. Researchers designed the computer model to simulate a single DNA gene. The feat, described this month in the Journal of Computational Chemistry, could help scientists better understand diseases and develop cures. "It is important to understand DNA at this level of detail because we want to understand precisely how genes turn on and off," Karissa Sanbonmatsu, a structural biologist at Los Alamos National La ... read more
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |