Life Sciences in Space Research最新文献

{"title":"Directional astronaut radiation dose for hemispherical galactic cosmic ray irradiation","authors":"Ran Huo ,&nbsp;Songying Xu ,&nbsp;Xuemei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) are inherently isotropic, in several important cases they are constrained to certain solid angle region. This directional irradiation leads to non-trivial deviations in radiation exposure from simple solid angle proportionality, since human organs/tissue sensitive to radiation also exhibit distinct spatial orientations within body. In this paper we investigate GCR incidence patterns through two characteristic geometries: the upper and anterior (front) hemispherical incidence relative to the ICRP110 human voxel phantom, and make comparison with the isotropic incidence. The fluence-to-dose-equivalent conversion coefficients are calculated by the particle physics Monte Carlo toolkit <span>GEANT4</span>, for all the <span><math><mrow><mi>Z</mi><mo>=</mo><mn>1</mn><mo>−</mo><mn>28</mn></mrow></math></span> ions and <span><math><mrow><mn>27</mn><mo>−</mo><mn>36</mn></mrow></math></span> energy points for each ions. Our analysis encompasses both the unshielded configuration and a shielded configuration with a uniform 5 g/cm<span><math><msup><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> aluminum shell, approximating spacecraft habitat shielding. We found that upper hemispherical incidence demonstrates <span><math><mrow><mo>≲</mo><mn>10</mn><mtext>%</mtext></mrow></math></span> dose coefficient variation compared to the isotropic baselines, while anterior incidence exhibits pronounced <span><math><mrow><mo>∼</mo><mn>80</mn><mtext>%</mtext></mrow></math></span> higher dose coefficients within the 10 MeV/n to 1000 MeV/n energy range for the unshielded configuration. Dose equivalent rates with hemispherically filtered GCR fluxes show corresponding differences. Interestingly the deviation from solid angle proportionality can be utilized, that strategic astronaut orientation (Earth-facing with eastern alignment) may reduce cumulative radiation exposure by <span><math><mrow><mo>∼</mo><mn>15</mn><mtext>%</mtext></mrow></math></span>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 77-83"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144291431","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}

{"title":"The brain-eye-liver axis during spaceflight: implications of hepatic dysfunction in spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome","authors":"Sinem Helvacıoğlu Akyüz ,&nbsp;Ben Cools ,&nbsp;Joshua Ong ,&nbsp;Ethan Waisberg ,&nbsp;Ryung Lee ,&nbsp;Andrew G. Lee ,&nbsp;Mathieu Vinken","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Spaceflight presents unique physiological challenges, with prolonged exposure to microgravity, cosmic radiation, and psychological stress impacting astronaut health. Hepatic dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of astronaut diseases, including spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), one of the largest physiologic barriers to future spaceflight. This paper explores the interconnected effects of spaceflight on the liver, particularly focusing on alterations in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, liver injury, inflammation, and compromised biotransformation processes. The liver responds to the extreme conditions of spaceflight, including microgravity and chronic ionizing radiation. These responses include specific changes in gene expression and cytochrome activity, suggesting a complex interplay between the liver, brain, and eyes. This brain-eye-liver axis may be a crucial study area in understanding and mitigating SANS, for long-duration spaceflight (LDSF) missions, emphasizing the need for further research to unravel these complex interdisciplinary connections in the context of LDSF missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 164-180"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144631167","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}

{"title":"Microbial resilience in space: Biofilms, risks and strategies for space exploration","authors":"Vinothkannan Ravichandran ,&nbsp;Bhavini Krishnan ,&nbsp;Munira Tinwala ,&nbsp;AW Santhosh Kumar ,&nbsp;Renitta Jobby","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biofilms are a community of microorganisms that can form on any surface, posing several challenges and significant medical issues. Their formation is not just limited to Earth but has also been observed in space stations and are termed as space biofilms. This is a major concern as certain biofilms can lead to high-risk compromising crew’s health, while others have the capacity to corrode spacecraft and equipment, leading to instrument malfunction, which can jeopardize the mission. Additionally, the way biofilms form and behave in space is different from how they do on Earth due to microgravity. Microgravity and other space conditions intensify microbial biofilm formation, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance on spacecraft surfaces. This review examines spacecraft biofilms and their effects on equipment, crew health, and spacecraft. The review also discusses several key microbial species that are known to form biofilms on spacecraft. It highlights how antimicrobial coatings, biofilm disruptors, and multiple detection methods could protect space shuttle integrity and crew health during long missions. It also highlights the disruption and control strategies to mitigate and eradicate biofilms in spaceflight missions. However, significant research is still required to overcome existing challenges of studying space biofilms due to limited data, high cost and replicating space microgravity on earth. Innovative strategies are required for effective biofilm management in space, especially to address biofilm formation under microgravity, investigate antimicrobial efficacy, and to assess its health impacts on astronauts for sustainable long-term missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144125035","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}

{"title":"Exploring microgravity-induced changes to the coagulation system using thrombelastograph - a topical review","authors":"Ivy Mayor ,&nbsp;Karsten Lindgaard ,&nbsp;Bijan Harandi ,&nbsp;Jakob Stensballe ,&nbsp;Jesper Mølgaard","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An internal jugular venous thrombus in an astronaut was first identified in 2020 following a two-month microgravity exposure. This raised concerns about thromboembolic events (TE) during spaceflights. Studies have suggested that microgravity can induce changes in blood composition, venous flow and endothelial dysfunction, which might all contribute to a hypercoagulable state. However, whether these proposed mechanisms translate into a clinically significant increase in TE risk remains unclear since, even though humans have spent &gt;200 person-years in space, no studies of blood coagulation in microgravity have been carried out. Additionally, the specific risks and implications of microgravity-induced coagulation changes in diverse populations, including future spacefarers with varying health conditions and ages, remain unclear. The precise risks and effects of microgravity-induced coagulation, especially as they relate to diverse groups such as future space travellers with different health conditions and age ranges, remain ambiguous and require further exploration. Thrombelastography (TEG), often used in trauma, surgery and anesthesiology, offers a comprehensive assessment of whole blood coagulation dynamics, providing a more holistic view compared to traditional coagulation assays. In particular, TEG has the ability to predict the hypercoagulable state associated with TE. A previous study of coagulation disorders in a 60-day bedrest setting has provided valuable insights into blood coagulation dynamics, although TEG did not differ in this specific study. However, the transferability of these findings to true microgravity environments remains to be elucidated. Understanding the effects of microgravity on the coagulation process is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of astronauts during space missions. By leveraging thrombelastography to study the end-result of the coagulation cascade, we can obtain valuable insights into the impact of microgravity on the coagulation system and comprehensively evaluate the risk of TE. Furthermore, this knowledge could inform preventive strategies and enhance the safety of future long-duration missions and diverse populations participating in future low-cost spaceflight ventures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 134-139"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144490585","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}

{"title":"Green light and nitrogen: Optimizing antioxidant production in lettuce for extraterrestrial survival","authors":"Zizhou Wu ,&nbsp;Jingkai Tang ,&nbsp;Fan Jia ,&nbsp;Wenlin Wang ,&nbsp;Sizhe Liu ,&nbsp;Hong Liu ,&nbsp;Hui Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Astronauts on lunar and Martian surfaces face increased health risks due to lack of Earth's protective atmosphere and magnetosphere, including higher cancer and DNA damage risks from cosmic radiation and solar wind. Antioxidant intake, sourced mainly from fresh produce, is crucial for countering these threats. Our research addressed the challenge of producing high-antioxidant vegetables in situ for Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS), focusing on optimizing growth conditions for lettuce varieties to enhance ascorbic acid synthesis.It aimed to boost ascorbic acid metabolism in lettuce by manipulating green light intensity and nitrogen levels. We tested 'youmaicai' and 'rapid' lettuce under varying green light (10 %, 20 %, 30 %) and nitrogen (2.5, 10.5, 18.5 mmol/L) conditions, assessing ascorbic acid content, total production of ascorbic acid, AsA-GSH cycle enzyme activities, and gene expression. We found optimal conditions for each variety: 10 % light and 2.5–10.5 mmol/L nitrogen for 'youmaicai', and 30 % light and 10.5–18.5 mmol/L nitrogen for 'rapid'. This research not only contributes to the understanding of how green light and nitrogen supply can be optimized to boost the nutritional quality of lettuce but also offers practical strategies for improving crop yield and quality in controlled environments.By tailoring light and nutrient conditions, it is possible to significantly enhance the vitamin C content and overall growth efficiency of plants, which has important implications for sustainable food production both on Earth and in extraterrestrial settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 32-42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144166086","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}

{"title":"Towards supervisory Model Predictive Control for circular life support systems in long-term space missions","authors":"Gionata Cimini ,&nbsp;Marco Gatti ,&nbsp;Daniele Bernardini ,&nbsp;Alberto Bemporad ,&nbsp;Chloé Audas ,&nbsp;Claude-Gilles Dussap","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Regenerative Life Support Systems (LSS) fulfill the essential functions for human survival in space, such as atmosphere revitalization, water recovery, food production, and waste management, and are crucial for long-term space missions where the resupply of resources from Earth is not feasible or reliable. Operating a regenerative LSS poses several challenges, mainly related to its complexity, efficiency, and reliability. A set of heterogeneous subsystems involving mechanical, chemical, biological, and energetic processes has to be optimally coordinated in order to meet the requirements on mass, power, crew time, safety, reliability, sustainability and efficiency. In this paper, we address these challenges by proposing a supervisory control layer based on a nonlinear and time-varying Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach. The mathematical framework for deriving the prediction model addresses generic regenerative LSS. The MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) project developed by the European Space Agency is used here as the test case. For the first time, a complete dynamical model including all the MELiSSA compartments connected on all the phases (solid, liquid, gas) is derived, simulated, and controlled by a supervisory MPC. The design of such a controller follows a large set of requirements pre-defined by the MELiSSA project. Results on a mission lasting 14 weeks, which also includes a system failure scenario, are reported and evaluated for a specific MELiSSA network architecture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 105-123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144470034","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}

{"title":"Long duration space missions: Challenges and prospects in sustaining humans in space","authors":"Palak Kapoor ,&nbsp;Renu Bala Yadav ,&nbsp;Neha Agrawal ,&nbsp;Savita Gaur ,&nbsp;Rajesh Arora","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The space environment presents extreme conditions for the human body. Exposure to such challenging conditions may lead to both short- and long-term health problems. Microgravity and ionizing radiation levels are two major stressors influencing humans in space. Non-terrestrial gravity imposes deleterious effects on human physiology, thereby creating obstacles for long-term space missions. This review explores how microgravity and space radiation influence the physiological well-being of space travelers. Molecular and systemic effects of these stressors on gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuro-ocular, and musculoskeletal systems have been discussed. Moreover, the countermeasures in vogue such as exercise, nutrition, and pharmacological interventions, which are critical for maintaining astronaut health have been documented. Additionally, this review highlights the role of cutting-edge health technologies in space sciences research, offering a visionary approach for monitoring, prevention, and treatment of spaceflight-induced disorders. Finally, the review presents a vision, emphasizing the relevance of the current state-of-art from a futuristic perspective, where extreme conditions necessitate enhanced physiological resilience and human performance optimization. Tapping such strategies can help in improving the health, adaptability, and endurance of humans during long-term space missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 14-31"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144115816","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}

{"title":"Approaching ocular risks during spaceflight with 3D printing: Technical strategies to protect astronaut vision","authors":"Saif Pasha ,&nbsp;Joshua Ong ,&nbsp;Yannie Guo ,&nbsp;Ryung Lee ,&nbsp;Ethan Waisberg ,&nbsp;Andrew G. Lee ,&nbsp;Prithul Sarker ,&nbsp;Alireza Tavakkoli","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long-duration spaceflight poses significant risks to ocular health due to prolonged microgravity exposure and space environmental stressors, contributing to conditions such as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and Spaceflight-Associated Dry Eye Syndrome (SADES). These conditions, along with radiation exposure and risk of ocular trauma in resource-limited environments, necessitate development of innovative countermeasures to safeguard astronauts' vision, particularly for future planetary missions such as Mars. Traditional ophthalmic care depends on specialized equipment and materials impractical for cargo limitations and transport in space, highlighting the need for adaptive solutions.</div><div>Advances in 3D printing and bioprinting offer an innovative approach to space ophthalmology by enabling on-demand fabrication of customized eyewear, contact lenses, moisture chambers, radiation-shielding lenses, and surgical tools. Furthermore, emerging bioprinting capabilities may facilitate production of biocompatible tissues for ocular repair. The precision, adaptability, and mission-specific applicability of 3D printing provide a strategic advantage to address preventive and therapeutic ocular health needs. However, challenges include optimizing biocompatible materials, refining high-resolution printing techniques, and ensuring structural and functional viability of printed tissues in space conditions. Further research is required to improve material durability, integrate protective elements such as boron nitride nanotubes, and adapt 3D printing processes to the constraints of microgravity.</div><div>Beyond space medicine, 3D printing applications in space can drive innovations for ophthalmic care on Earth, from customized intraocular lenses to regenerative therapies. This review highlights the critical role of 3D printing in space ophthalmology and need for continued development and deployment to ensure success of future deep-space missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 98-104"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365030","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}

{"title":"Plasma exchange as a neuroprotective strategy for post-spaceflight neuroinflammation in astronauts","authors":"Yamac Akgun","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extended space missions, such as upcoming crewed explorations to Mars, pose significant physiological challenges, including neuroinflammation due to microgravity, cosmic radiation, and prolonged confinement. This article explores therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as a potential countermeasure to mitigate post-spaceflight neuroinflammation by reducing circulating neurotoxic factors, stabilizing the blood-brain barrier, and replenishing protective plasma proteins. By examining parallels between spaceflight-induced neurological effects and terrestrial neurodegenerative conditions, we propose that TPE could serve as a viable intervention for astronaut health. The implementation of space-compatible apheresis technologies could play a crucial role in sustaining cognitive function and long-term brain health for deep-space travelers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 95-97"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365031","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}

{"title":"Advancements in health monitoring technologies for astronauts in deep space missions: A Review","authors":"Rabhya Gupta ,&nbsp;Partho S. Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.lssr.2025.06.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Health monitoring for astronauts is critical to ensure the safety and well-being of crew members during long-duration space missions. This paper presents an overview of the technologies developed to monitor various physiological parameters in space, focusing on the challenges posed by the space environment, including microgravity, radiation, and isolation. The paper reviews the evolution of wearable health monitoring systems and analyzes key advancements in sensor technology, AI-driven diagnostics, and data transmission. It evaluates past and present systems, highlighting trends such as improved sensor accuracy, miniaturization for enhanced wearability, and the shift from Earth-dependent monitoring to autonomous, AI-supported health assessments. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including sensor complexity, data processing limitations, and system longevity. Based on this evaluation, the paper proposes a framework for a next-generation health monitoring system to optimize astronaut health monitoring in deep space. This system integrates minimal yet strategic physiological sensors, machine learning-driven predictive diagnostics, efficient data compression, and adaptive sensing. This review aims to provide insights into the strengths and gaps of existing technologies while suggesting potential advancements for future space missions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18029,"journal":{"name":"Life Sciences in Space Research","volume":"47 ","pages":"Pages 190-196"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144679019","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}