Station Science Top News: Nov. 11, 2022
Researchers found that a fungus cultured in space had a growth advantage and may have an adaptive response to increased radiation compared to fungi cultured on the ground. With radiation potentially being a leading cause of health problems on deep space missions, studies like this are important to help uncover low-weight, high-production countermeasures to protect astronauts.
The fungus (Cladosporium sphaerospermum) chosen for the International Space Station National Lab sponsored Evaluation of Radiotrophic Fungi as a Potential Radiation Barrier study is a type found in soil and has melanin in its cell walls. Specifically, researchers note that melanin within the fungi behaves as a powerful antioxidant and influences adaptation of radiation-shielding qualities. Results show that fungi response to increased radiation in space is likely caused by an adaptation to the radiation exposure to increase survival.
***
Scientists used 20 years of space station air quality data measurements to identify more than 30,000 concentrations of chemicals, with up to 140 chemicals identified in station air. Design of ventilation and air-purification systems for deep space missions and controlled habitats on other planets could take these results into account.
Researchers collected space station air quality data from 2000 to 2020. The pollutants detected came from newly arrived vehicle air, organic compound gases, and working material off-gassing. Air purification and regeneration systems maintain the level of air pollutants within regulatory requirements. A reduced distribution of the pollutants suggests the existence of stagnant zones with high chemical concentrations on station. These results can be used as a model to predict air pollution in space stations.
***
The International Space Station Archaeological Project has been chosen by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) as the recipient of its 2023 Award for Outstanding Work in Digital Archaeology. AIA is the oldest and largest archaeological organization in North America.
See the announcement here.
***
Scientists launching experiments on the SpaceX CRS-26 mission spoke to the media during a science media teleconference.
Listen to the full broadcast below.