npj Microgravity最新文献

Infectious disease outcomes of NASA's health stabilization program. 美国宇航局健康稳定项目的传染病结果。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-05-08 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00593-1

Rebecca S Blue, Robert A Mulcahy, Amy J Kreykes, Robert Haddon, James M Pattarini, Benjamin D Johansen, Rahul Suresh

{"title":"Infectious disease outcomes of NASA's health stabilization program.","authors":"Rebecca S Blue, Robert A Mulcahy, Amy J Kreykes, Robert Haddon, James M Pattarini, Benjamin D Johansen, Rahul Suresh","doi":"10.1038/s41526-026-00593-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00593-1","url":null,"abstract":"To prevent pre-flight and on-orbit infections, NASA crew participate in a comprehensive Health Stabilization Program (HSP), which includes pre-flight quarantine, vaccination and demonstrated immunity, personal protective equipment, and crew and support personnel training. We aggregated historical spaceflight data to assess the incidence of pre-flight infectious exposures in spaceflight, to determine the effectiveness of HSP protocols, and to characterize risk factors associated with pre-flight exposure resulting in on-orbit illness. Medical and operational records on U.S. spaceflight missions from the Apollo Program through 2024 were retrospectively aggregated and analyzed. HSP-related mission-events were defined as an event where an identified failure, breach of protocol, or exposure occurred during the HSP/quarantine period resulting in one or more crewmember illnesses. In 196 aggregated spaceflight missions, 30 missions (15%) included infectious events among crew in the launch timeframe. In two missions (1%), launch of an ill crew further exposed additional on-orbit crews with infectious sequelae. Overall, launch delay due to crew infection occurred in two missions (1% of the aggregate cohort). While infectious events have occurred in spaceflight crew, HSP has resulted in overall mission success, with no HSP-related medical evacuations, no severe on-orbit medical sequelae, and no long-term health impacts related to HSP events.","PeriodicalId":54263,"journal":{"name":"npj Microgravity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147857595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

The effect of spaceflight and simulated microgravity exposure on thermoregulation in humans: a systematic review. 太空飞行和模拟微重力暴露对人体体温调节的影响：系统综述。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-05-06 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00601-4

Marta Gimunová, Michaela Beníčková, Adam Wagner, Jan Kučera, Julie Bienertova-Vasku

{"title":"The effect of spaceflight and simulated microgravity exposure on thermoregulation in humans: a systematic review.","authors":"Marta Gimunová, Michaela Beníčková, Adam Wagner, Jan Kučera, Julie Bienertova-Vasku","doi":"10.1038/s41526-026-00601-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00601-4","url":null,"abstract":"Even a minor increase in core body temperature (CBT) raises physiological challenges in astronauts, leading to a decline in physical and cognitive performance. This study aims to systematically review and summarize existing literature on the effects of spaceflight or its simulations on human thermoregulation. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines and Space Biomedicine Systematic Review methods. The search was performed using three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. During the database search, 832 studies were identified. A total of 20 studies were included in the systematic review (spaceflight exposure: 6 studies, bed rest: 14 studies). One of the primary observations from spaceflight studies was the elevation of CBT during prolonged missions. The observed increase in CBT has been attributed to multiple factors, including disruptions in circadian regulation, changes in the immune system, and reduced evaporative cooling due to altered sweating responses. Five of the spaceflight simulation studies show an increase in the CBT after bed rest, and no change was observed in 3 studies. To mitigate risks associated with the dysregulated thermoregulatory system, future studies analyzing the integration of advanced monitoring technologies, personalized thermal management strategies, and evidence-based countermeasures are needed.","PeriodicalId":54263,"journal":{"name":"npj Microgravity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

MAPK/PMK-1 innate immune signaling protects the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans from increased intestinal colonization in an animal host-pathogen model in space. 在空间动物宿主-病原体模型中，MAPK/PMK-1先天免疫信号保护秀丽隐杆线虫肠道定植增加。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-05-06 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00603-2

Alfredo V Alcantara, Rocel Amor Indong, Kyoung-Hye Yoon, Ban-Seok Kim, Toko Hashizume, Akira Higashibata, Atsushi Higashitani, Nathaniel J Szewczyk, Timothy Etheridge, Colleen S Deane, Rebecca A Ellwood, Han Sung Kim, Robert J Mitchell, Jin I Lee

{"title":"MAPK/PMK-1 innate immune signaling protects the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans from increased intestinal colonization in an animal host-pathogen model in space.","authors":"Alfredo V Alcantara, Rocel Amor Indong, Kyoung-Hye Yoon, Ban-Seok Kim, Toko Hashizume, Akira Higashibata, Atsushi Higashitani, Nathaniel J Szewczyk, Timothy Etheridge, Colleen S Deane, Rebecca A Ellwood, Han Sung Kim, Robert J Mitchell, Jin I Lee","doi":"10.1038/s41526-026-00603-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00603-2","url":null,"abstract":"With the recent rise in the numbers and diversity of astronauts and space travelers, health and prevention of illness in space are of primary importance. Changes in immune function among astronauts during spaceflight have been reported, but gaps remain in understanding how this may translate to increases in an in-flight risk of infection. To understand how immunity and infection are affected by microgravity, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal host-pathogen model. Worms exposed to either space or simulated microgravity for several days exhibited increased Enterobacter gut colonization compared to normal gravity on Earth. Bacterial susceptibility was more severe in immunocompromised mutants of the pmk-1 gene, a conserved p38 MAPK ortholog that regulates innate immunity. RNA sequencing analysis identified several immune effector genes regulated by microgravity through MAPK/PMK-1. Silencing these genes via RNA interference identified specific immune effectors that protect C. elegans against increased Enterobacter gut proliferation, while transgenic expression of one of these effectors prevented increased colonization in immunocompromised C. elegans in microgravity. This study underscores the importance of the conserved MAPK/PMK-1 innate immune pathway in providing protection against possible infection during spaceflight.","PeriodicalId":54263,"journal":{"name":"npj Microgravity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Simulated microgravity-driven mechanical unloading rescues PIEZO1-overexpression-induced growth plate ossification and retards adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. 模拟微重力驱动的机械卸载可拯救piezo1过表达诱导的生长板骨化并延缓青少年特发性脊柱侧凸。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-05-04 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00604-1

Fei Chen, Shuqing Chen, Xingzhi Jing, Fushuai Peng, Yukun Du, Jianyi Li, Yuanyuan Fan, Zichen Cui, Guanghui Gu, Han Zhang, Jun Dong, Tao Li, Yongming Xi

{"title":"Simulated microgravity-driven mechanical unloading rescues PIEZO1-overexpression-induced growth plate ossification and retards adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.","authors":"Fei Chen, Shuqing Chen, Xingzhi Jing, Fushuai Peng, Yukun Du, Jianyi Li, Yuanyuan Fan, Zichen Cui, Guanghui Gu, Han Zhang, Jun Dong, Tao Li, Yongming Xi","doi":"10.1038/s41526-026-00604-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00604-1","url":null,"abstract":"Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) progresses via excessive concave-endplate compressive stress and PIEZO1 overexpression-induced vertebral growth plate chondrocyte degeneration. Though microgravity-mediated mechanical unloading is traditionally linked to musculoskeletal harm, we explored its therapeutic potential for AIS. We integrated clinical observations, in vivo models, and in vitro experiments: Clinical anti-gravity skull traction (mechanical unloading) reduced a severe AIS patient's Cobb angle. In a scoliosis mouse model, 10 h/day traction suspension delayed deformity. In vitro, 100 kPa pressure overload upregulated PIEZO1 in chondrocytes, while simulated microgravity reversed this, inhibiting ossification and matrix degeneration. Mouse tail compression elevated PIEZO1 and accelerated ossification, which tail suspension reversed. PIEZO1 agonist Yoda1 promoted chondrocyte osteogenic differentiation, confirming PIEZO1's pathological role. This study shows simulated microgravity-mediated mechanical unloading alleviates AIS by inhibiting PIEZO1, repurposing microgravity from a \"pathological factor\" to a non-invasive AIS therapy, bridging aerospace medicine and orthopedics.","PeriodicalId":54263,"journal":{"name":"npj Microgravity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147846337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Plasma nitrogen fixation for future lunar agriculture. 未来月球农业的等离子固氮。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-05-02 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00602-3

Toshiro Kaneko, Shota Sasaki, Daiki Suzuki, Hayato Ohkuma, Atsushi Higashitani

引用次数: 0

Release and recapture of silica nanoparticles from an optical trap in weightlessness. 在失重状态下从光学阱中释放和重新捕获二氧化硅纳米颗粒。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-04-27 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00596-y

Govindarajan Prakash, Sven Herrmann, Ralf B Bergmann, Christian Vogt

引用次数: 0

Resilience of otolithic reflex to gravitational changes. 耳石反射对重力变化的弹性。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-04-27 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00599-9

Tess Bonnard, Anoa Morello, Emilie Doat, Jean-René Cazalets, Dominique Guehl, Etienne Guillaud

{"title":"Resilience of otolithic reflex to gravitational changes.","authors":"Tess Bonnard, Anoa Morello, Emilie Doat, Jean-René Cazalets, Dominique Guehl, Etienne Guillaud","doi":"10.1038/s41526-026-00599-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00599-9","url":null,"abstract":"Otoliths within the vestibular system detect the magnitude and orientation of gravity and provide a reference frame for spatial orientation. Although vestibular processing has been studied in altered gravity, little is known about the initial minutes of exposure, when space motion sickness emerges. This study investigated whether otolithic detection is modified in different gravities or by sensory conflicts. Otolithic function was assessed using vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) recorded from three muscles, reflecting utricular and saccular activity. VEMPs were measured during parabolic flight to assess modified gravity and longitudinal effects associated with otolitho-canalar conflict, and before and after a virtual reality exposure inducing visuo-vestibular conflict. Otolithic reflexes were largely resistant to gravity changes, sensory conflicts, and motion sickness. VEMP amplitudes remained stable, while oVEMP latencies increased ( ~ 1 ms in microgravity; ~0.4 ms post-flight). No differences were observed between motion-susceptible and non-susceptible participants. Baseline otolithic sensitivity predicted cyber-sickness susceptibility but not space-sickness.","PeriodicalId":54263,"journal":{"name":"npj Microgravity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Future challenges for astrocytology, astroembryology and astrohistology. 星象细胞学、星象胚胎学和星象组织学未来的挑战。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-04-24 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00600-5

Kubilay Dogan Kilic

引用次数: 0

Efficient long-term cryopreservation of Arthrospira platensis NIES-39 and adaptation for the Space Algae-2 spaceflight experiment. 高原节螺旋藻NIES-39的高效长期低温保存及其对空间藻类2号航天实验的适应。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-04-22 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00598-w

Katherine E Fisher, A Mark Settles

{"title":"Efficient long-term cryopreservation of Arthrospira platensis NIES-39 and adaptation for the Space Algae-2 spaceflight experiment.","authors":"Katherine E Fisher, A Mark Settles","doi":"10.1038/s41526-026-00598-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00598-w","url":null,"abstract":"Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as spirulina, is a photosynthetically efficient cyanobacterium used for the production of nutritional supplements, biofuel, wastewater treatment, and CO2 sequestration. These traits and uses make it a candidate for bioregenerative life support systems for space travel and future habitats. However, A. platensis lacks a robust cryopreservation method for long-term storage of viable cells, and genetic stocks are currently sub-cultured for maintenance. Here, we report an efficient cryopreservation method for the A. platensis strain NIES-39 and adapt this method for an upcoming spaceflight experiment. Seven cryoprotective agents were tested to preserve viable A. platensis. We found that a combination of dimethyl sulfoxide and trehalose additives to Zarrouk's media protected trichome viability for extended storage periods at -80 °C. Throughout 1 year of frozen storage, we observed equivalent viability of cryopreserved cells in comparison to non-frozen cultures. Equivalent cryopreservation was demonstrated with multiple volumes of frozen culture, culture containers, and thawing methods to adapt the method for delivery and return of viable NIES-39 for the Space Algae-2 experiment on the International Space Station. The method requires minimal resources, employs simple freezing and thawing procedures, and could be implemented in commercial production to preserve genetic stocks.","PeriodicalId":54263,"journal":{"name":"npj Microgravity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Effects of carbon dioxide on physical and cognitive performance in a simulated spacesuit contingency scenario. 模拟航天服应急场景中二氧化碳对身体和认知表现的影响。

IF 4.1 1区物理与天体物理

npj Microgravity Pub Date : 2026-04-21 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-026-00589-x

N Keller, S Thoolen, B Siders, P Estep, R Scully, B D Levine, T Babb, J Pawelczyk, A Baughman, M Basner, M Young, L Chappell, J Norcross, K Marshall-Goebel, A Garbino

{"title":"Effects of carbon dioxide on physical and cognitive performance in a simulated spacesuit contingency scenario.","authors":"N Keller, S Thoolen, B Siders, P Estep, R Scully, B D Levine, T Babb, J Pawelczyk, A Baughman, M Basner, M Young, L Chappell, J Norcross, K Marshall-Goebel, A Garbino","doi":"10.1038/s41526-026-00589-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00589-x","url":null,"abstract":"Crewmembers on future Lunar and Mars surface missions will perform numerous surface exploration extravehicular activities (EVAs). NASA standards dictate a nominal upper limit to the inspired partial pressure of CO2 (PICO2) of 15 mmHg in spacesuits; however, there is no suited PICO2 standard for emergency or contingency EVA scenarios. A laboratory-based study was conducted to characterize physical and cognitive performance, and self-reported symptomology during a simulated emergency one-hour EVA return to habitat scenario while being exposed to different PICO2 levels. Fifteen healthy subjects (12 M/3 F) underwent 7 testing conditions (PICO2 of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mmHg) using a single-blinded, repeated-measures, counterbalanced design. All subjects completed the simulated contingency EVA scenario at all PICO2 levels. Although statistically detectable dose-responses were observed in several variables, these changes did not reach levels associated with clinically or operationally relevant impairment during the one-hour exposures up to 30 mmHg PICO2.","PeriodicalId":54263,"journal":{"name":"npj Microgravity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"物理与天体物理","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0