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NASA NTRS2005

Use of a Novel Rover-mounted Fluorescence Imager and Fluorescent Probes to Detect Biological Material in the Atacama Desert in Daylight

We have developed an imaging system, the Fluorescence Imager (FI), for detecting fluorescence signals from sparse microorganisms and biofilms during autonomous rover exploration. The fluorescence signals arise both from naturally occurring chromophores, such as chlorophyll of cyanobacteria and lichens, and from fluorescent probes applied to soil and rocks. Daylight imaging has been accomplished by a novel use of a high-powered flashlamp synchronized to a CCD camera. The fluorescent probes are cell permanent stains that have extremely low intrinsic fluorescence (quantum yields less than 0.01) and a large fluorescence enhancement (quantum yields greater than 0.4) when bound to the target. Each probe specifically targets either carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids or membrane lipids, the four classes of macromolecules found in terrestrial life. The intent of the probes is to interrogate the environment for surface and endolithic life forms.

Weinstein, S.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Amino acid supplementation alters bone metabolism during simulated weightlessness

High-protein and acidogenic diets induce hypercalciuria. Foods or supplements with excess sulfur-containing amino acids increase endogenous sulfuric acid production and therefore have the potential to increase calcium excretion and alter bone metabolism. In this study, effects of an amino acid/carbohydrate supplement on bone resorption were examined during bed rest. Thirteen subjects were divided at random into two groups: a control group (Con, n = 6) and an amino acid-supplemented group (AA, n = 7) who consumed an extra 49.5 g essential amino acids and 90 g carbohydrate per day for 28 days. Urine was collected for n-telopeptide (NTX), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), calcium, and pH determinations. Bone mineral content was determined and potential renal acid load was calculated. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was measured in serum samples collected on day 1 (immediately before bed rest) and on day 28. Potential renal acid load was higher in the AA group than in the Con group during bed rest (P < 0.05). For all subjects, during bed rest urinary NTX and DPD concentrations were greater than pre-bed rest levels (P < 0.05). Urinary NTX and DPD tended to be higher in the AA group (P = 0.073 and P = 0.056, respectively). During bed rest, urinary calcium was greater than baseline levels (P < 0.05) in the AA group but not the Con group. Total bone mineral content was lower after bed rest than before bed rest in the AA group but not the Con group (P < 0.05). During bed rest, urinary pH decreased (P < 0.05), and it was lower in the AA group than the Con group. These data suggest that bone resorption increased, without changes in bone formation, in the AA group.

Randomized Controlled Trial↗
NASA NTRS2005

Heritability of markers of bone metabolism

Several classic twin studies show genetic effects on markers of bone health, including bone mineral density and parathyroid hormone (PTH). This study was performed to assess the relative contribution of genetics to biochemical markers of bone metabolism. Fifteen sets of identical twins (8 male, 7 female) were housed in a clinical research center where diet was controlled (15% protein, 55% carbohydrate, 30% fat) for 3 consecutive days. Each day, 24-h urine pools were collected and N-telopeptide (NTX), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), calcium, and serum PTH were measured. The broad-sense heritability factor (H2) is an estimation of the portion of the total variance of a given phenotype that is attributable to genetic variance. H2 was estimated from the correlation coefficient of the phenotype data. H2 for NTX was 94% for males and 80% for females, DPD was 88% for males and 97% for females, urinary calcium excretion was 97% for males and 90% for females, and PTH was 92% for males and 79% for females. Since environmental variability was minimized for the 3 days of data collection, these heritability factors are likely overestimated. Nonetheless, the data support the concept that PTH is a predominantly heritable trait, and suggest that NTX, DPD, and calcium excretion are as well. These biochemical data support the previously documented heritability of bone health.

Smith, Scott M.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Nutritional and Flavor Components of Brassica Xapa L. Grown on ISS

Brassica rapa L. cv. 'Astroplants' were grown on the International Space Station during April - June 2002 in the Biomass Production System. Plants were manually pollinated and were maturing seeds when they were harvested for preservation in flight by fixation or freezing. Overall growth and development were comparable between flight and ground control plants. Chlorophyll and carbohydrate content of the leaves were the same in the two treatments. Although comparable numbers of seeds were produced inside the seed pods, the developing seeds from the spaceflight treatment had only half of the dry weight of the ground controls and had altered storage components. Glucosinolate content of the stem tissue was also determined. The concentration of 3-butenyl-glucosinolate was on average 75% greater in the spaceflight samples than in the ground control. The results demonstrate how the spaceflight environment influences nutritional and flavor characteristics of a potential crop for use in a Biological Life Support System.

Musgrave, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Mechanism of Action for Anti-Radiation Vaccine in Reducing the Biological Impact of High-Dose Irradiation

Ionizing radiation is a major health risk of long-term space travel, the biological consequences of which include genetic and oxidative damage. In this study, we propose an original mechanism by which high doses of ionizing radiation induce acute toxicity. We identified biological components that appear in the lymphatic vessels shortly after gamma irradiation. These radiation-induced toxins, which we have named specific radiation determinants (SRD), were generated in the irradiated tissues and then collected and circulated throughout the body via the lymph circulation and bloodstream. Depending on the type of SRD elicited, different syndromes of acute radiation sickness (ARS) were expressed. The SRDs were developed into a vaccine used to confer active immunity against acute radiation toxicity in immunologically naive animals. Animals that were pretreated with SRDs exhibited resistance to lethal doses of gamma radiation, as measured by increased survival times and survival rates. In comparison, untreated animals that were exposed to similar large doses of gamma radiation developed acute radiation sickness and died within days. This phenomenon was observed in a number of mammalian species. We partially analyzed the biochemical characteristics of the SRDs. The SRDs were large molecular weight (200-250 kDa) molecules that were comprised of a mixture of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and mineral. Further analysis is required to further identify the SRD molecules and the biological mechanism by which the mediate the toxicity associated with acute radiation sickness. By doing so, we may develop an effective specific immunoprophylaxis as a countermeasure against the acute effects of ionizing radiation.

Maliev, Vladislav↗
NASA NTRS2007

Implementation of the NASA AG-Bed Rest Pilot

To examine the efficacy of artificial gravity (AG) as a countermeasure to spaceflight deconditioning, intermittent AG produced by a horizontal short-radius centrifuge (SRC) was utilized on human test subjects deconditioned by bed rest. This poster will present the subject screening, study design, logistics, and implementation of the 41 day pilot study conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX bed rest facility. An extensive screening process was employed to exclude subjects that were dissimilar to the U.S. astronaut population. Candidates underwent a modified U.S. Air Force Class III physical and tests of bone density, cardiovascular fitness, vestibular system function, psychological fitness and centrifuge tolerance. 15 subjects completed the study; 7 control and 8 AG treatment. All provided written consent to volunteer after the nature of the study and its hazards were clearly explained to them. Standard conditions were strictly regulated; Ta = 72 +/- 2 F, humidity = 70 +/- 5%, light/dark cycle 16h:8h. All fluid intake (minimum 28.5 ml/kg body weight/day) and urine output was monitored. Caloric intake was adjusted as necessary to maintain body weight. Carbohydrate, fat and protein were provided in a ratio of 55:30:15. Phosphorus intake was 1400 mg/d, sodium intake was 2 mmol/kg/d, potassium intake was 1.3 mmol/kg/d, and dietary calcium intake was 1000 mg/d. A physician examined each subject daily. During the first 11 days of the study protocol, subjects were ambulatory, but confined to the facility. Subjects participated in multiple baseline tests of bone, muscle, cardiovascular, sensory-motor, immunological, and psychological function. On the 12th day, subjects entered the bed rest phase of the study, during which they were confined to strict 6? head down tilt bed rest for 21 days. Beginning 24 hrs into this period, treatment subjects received 1 hour daily exposures to artificial gravity which was produced by spinning the subjects on a 3.0 m radius SRC. They were oriented radially in the supine position so that the centrifugal force was aligned with their long body axis, and while spinning, they #stood# on a force plate, supporting the centrifugal loading (2.5 g at the feet, 1.0 g at the heart). The subject station allowed free translation over approximately 10 cm to ensure full loading of the lower extremities and to allow for anti-orthostatic muscle contractions. Control subjects were positioned on the centrifuge but did not spin. Following the bed rest phase, subjects were allowed to ambulate again, but remained within the facility for an additional 9 days and participated in multiple follow-up tests of physiological function.

Warren, L. E.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Mechanism of Action for Anti-radiation Vaccine in Reducing the Biological Impact of High-dose Gamma Irradiation

Ionizing radiation is a major health risk of long-term space travel, the biological consequences of which include genetic and oxidative damage. In this study, we propose an original mechanism by which high doses of ionizing radiation induce acute toxicity. We identified biological components that appear in the lymphatic vessels shortly after gamma irradiation. These radiation-induced toxins, which we have named specific radiation determinants (SRD), were generated in the irradiated tissues and then collected and circulated throughout the body via the lymph circulation and bloodstream. Depending on the type of SRD elicited, different syndromes of acute radiation sickness (ARS) were expressed. The SRDs were developed into a vaccine used to confer active immunity against acute radiation toxicity in immunologically naive animals. Animals that were pretreated with SRDs exhibited resistance to lethal doses of gamma radiation, as measured by increased survival times and survival rates. In comparison, untreated animals that were exposed to similar large doses of gamma radiation developed acute radiation sickness and died within days. This phenomenon was observed in a number of mammalian species. Initial analysis of the biochemical characteristics indicated that the SRDs were large molecular weight (200-250 kDa) molecules that were comprised of a mixture of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and mineral. Further analysis is required to further identify the SRD molecules and the biological mechanism by which the mediate the toxicity associated with acute radiation sickness. By doing so, we may develop an effective specific immunoprophylaxis as a countermeasure against the acute effects of ionizing radiation.

Maliev, Vladislav↗
NASA NTRS2009

Food Mass Reduction Trade Study

Future long duration manned space flights beyond low earth orbit will require the food system to remain safe, acceptable, and nutritious while efficiently balancing appropriate vehicle resources such as mass, volume, power, water, and crewtime. Often, this presents a challenge since maintaining the quality of the food system can result in a higher mass and volume. The Orion vehicle is significantly smaller than the Shuttle vehicle and the International Space Station and the mass and volume available for food is limited. Therefore, the food team has been challenged to reduce the mass of the packaged food from 1.82 kg per person per day to 1.14 kg per person per day. Past work has concentrated on how to reduce the mass of the packaging which contributes to about 15% of the total mass of the packaged food system. Designers have also focused on integrating and optimizing the Orion galley equipment as a system to reduce mass. To date, there has not been a significant effort to determine how to reduce the food itself. The objective of this project is to determine how the mass and volume of the packaged food can be reduced while maintaining caloric and hydration requirements. The following tasks are the key elements to this project: (1) Conduct further analysis of the ISS Standard Menu to determine moisture, protein, carbohydrate, and fat levels. (2) Conduct trade studies to determine how to bring the mass of the food system down. Trade studies may include removing the water of the total food system and/or increasing the fat content. (3) Determine the preferred method for delivery of the new food (e.g. bars, or beverages) and the degree of replacement. (4) Determine whether there are commercially available products that meet the requirements. By the end of this study, an estimate of the mass and volume savings will be provided to the Constellation Program. In addition, if new technologies need to be developed to achieve the mass savings, the technologies, timeline, and budget will be identified at the end of the project.

Perchonok, Michele H.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Versatile platform for nanotechnology based on circular permutations of chaperonin protein

The present invention provides chaperonin polypeptides which are modified to include N-terminal and C-terminal ends that are relocated from the central pore region to various different positions in the polypeptide which are located on the exterior of the folded modified chaperonin polypeptide. In the modified chaperonin polypeptide, the naturally-occurring N-terminal and C-terminal ends are joined together directly or with an intervening linker peptide sequence. The relocated N-terminal or C-terminal ends can be covalently joined to, or bound with another molecule such as a nucleic acid molecule, a lipid, a carbohydrate, a second polypeptide, or a nanoparticle. The modified chaperonin polypeptides can assemble into double-ringed chaperonin structures. Further, the chaperonin structures can organize into higher order structures such as nanofilaments or nanoarrays which can be used to produce nanodevices and nanocoatings.

Paavola, Chad D.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Nutrition Coupled with High-Load Traditional or Low-Load Blood Flow Restricted Exercise During Human Limb Suspension

High-load resistance exercise (HRE) and low-load blood flow restricted (BFR) exercise have demonstrated efficacy for attenuating unloading related muscle atrophy and dysfunction. In recreational exercisers, protein consumption immediately before and/or after exercise has been shown to increase the skeletal muscle anabolic response to resistance training. PURPOSE: To compare the skeletal muscle adaptations when chocolate milk intake was coupled with HRE or low-load BFR exercise [3 d/wk] during simulated lower limb weightlessness. METHODS: Eleven subjects were counterbalanced [based on age and gender] to HRE (31 +/- 14 yr, 170 +/- 13 cm, 71 +/- 18 kg, 2M/3W) or low-load BFR exercise (31 +/- 12 yr, 169 +/- 13 cm, 66 +/- 14 kg, 2M/4W) during 30 days of unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS). Both HRE and BFR completed 3 sets of single leg press and calf raise exercise during ULLS. BFR exercise intensity was 20% of repetition maximum (1RM) with a cuff inflation pressure of 1.3 systolic blood pressure (143 4 mmHg). Cuff pressure was maintained during all 3 sets including rest intervals (90s). HRE intensity was 75% 1RM and was performed without cuff inflation. Immediately (<10 min) before and after exercise 8 fl oz of chocolate milk (150 kcal, 2.5g total fat, 22g total carbohydrate, 8g protein) was consumed to optimize acute exercise responses in favor of muscle anabolism. ULLS analog compliance was assessed from leg skin temperature recordings and plantar accelerometry. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) for knee extensor and plantar flexor muscle groups were determined from analysis of magnetic resonance images using ImageJ software. 1RM strength for leg press and calf raise was assessed on the Agaton exercise system. Muscular endurance during leg press and calf raise was evaluated from the maximal number of repetitions performed to volitional fatigue using 40% of pre-ULLS 1RM. RESULTS: Steps detected by plantar acceleometry declined by 98.9% during ULLS relative to an ambulatory control period. Average skin temperature of the unloaded calf declined from 27.4 C to 26.8 C (-2.1%), while there was a slight increase (+1.1%) in skin temperature in the loaded calf (27.6 C to 27.9 C). Collectively, these measures indicate strong subject compliance with the ULLS analog. Unloaded limb work performed during leg press (1514 +/- 334 vs. 576 +/- 103) and calf raise (2886 +/- 508 vs. 1233 +/- 153) exercises sessions was greater in HRE vs. BFR, respectively. Leg press training loads were 44 +/- 7 kg in HRE compared to 11 +/- 1 kg in BFR. Similarly, calf raise training loads were 81 +/- 11 kg in HRE and 16 +/- 1 kg in BFR. Pre to post-ULLS training adaptations in the unloaded leg are shown in the table. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results of this investigation suggest when HRE is optimized for muscle anabolism during unloading muscle size and strength are preserved (or enhanced) at the expense of muscle endurance. In contrast, when BFR exercise is optimized for muscle anabolism during unloading muscle endurance is preserved (or enhanced) at the expense of muscle size and strength

Hackney, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Converging Climate Sensitivities of European Forests Between Observed Radial Tree Growth and Vegetation Models

The impacts of climate variability and trends on European forests are unevenly distributed across different bioclimatic zones and species. Extreme climate events are also becoming more frequent and it is unknown how they will affect feed backs of CO2 between forest ecosystems and the atmosphere. An improved understanding of species differences at the regional scale of the response of forest productivity to climate variation and extremes is thus important for forecasting forest dynamics. In this study, we evaluate the climate sensitivity of above ground net primary production (NPP) simulated by two dynamic global vegetation models (DGVM; ORCHIDEE and LPJ-wsl) against tree ring width (TRW) observations from about1000 sites distributed across Europe. In both the model simulations and the TRW observations, forests in northern Europe and the Alps respond positively to warmer spring and summer temperature, and their overall temperature sensitivity is larger than that of the soil-moisture-limited forests in central Europe and Mediterranean regions. Compared with TRW observations, simulated NPP from ORCHIDEE and LPJ-wsl appear to be overly sensitive to climatic factors. Our results indicate that the models lack biological processes that control time lags, such as carbohydrate storage and remobilization, that delay the effects of radial growth dynamics to climate. Our study highlights the need for re-evaluating the physiological controls on the climate sensitivity of NPP simulated by DGVMs. In particular, DGVMs could be further enhanced by a more detailed representation of carbon reserves and allocation that control year-to year variation in plant growth.

Zhang, Zhen↗
NASA NTRS2017

Comparison of Two Bioinformatics Tools Used to Characterize the Microbial Diversity and Predictive Functional Attributes of Microbial Mats from Lake Obersee, Antarctica

In this study, using NextGen sequencing of the collective 16S rRNA genes obtained from two sets of samples collected from Lake Obersee, Antarctica, we compared and contrasted two bioinformatics tools, PICRUSt and Tax4Fun. We then developed an R script to assess the taxonomic and predictive functional profiles of the microbial communities within the samples. Taxa such as Pseudoxanthomonas, Planctomycetaceae, Cyanobacteria Subsection III, Nitrosomonadaceae, Leptothrix, and Rhodobacter were exclusively identified by Tax4Fun that uses SILVA database; whereas PICRUSt that uses Greengenes database uniquely identified Pirellulaceae, Gemmatimonadetes A1-B1, Pseudanabaena, Salinibacterium and Sinibacteraceae. Predictive functional profiling of the microbial communities using Tax4Fun and PICRUSt separately revealed common metabolic capabilities, while also showing specific functional IDs not shared between the two approaches. Combining these functional predictions using a customized R script revealed a more inclusive metabolic profile, such as hydrolases, oxidoreductases, transferases; enzymes involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms; and membrane transport proteins known for nutrient uptake from the surrounding environment. Our results present the first molecular-phylogenetic characterization and predictive functional profiles of the microbial mat communities in Lake Obersee, while demonstrating the efficacy of combining both the taxonomic assignment information and functional IDs using the R script created in this study for a more streamlined evaluation of predictive functional profiles of microbial communities.

Hyunmin Koo↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Legume Organoleptic and Nutritional Analysis

Long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit will encounter challenges in maintaining adequate nutrition and acceptability in the food system. In situ production of fresh produce can supplement nutrients deficient in the stored diet. Currently there is a limited number of crops that can be reliably grown for space crop production. Recent challenges with Veggie plant growth technical demonstrations (i.e. Tokyo Bekana Chinese cabbage interveinal chlorosis and necrosis when grown under elevated CO2 (~3000ppm) and narrow-band LED lighting) have highlighted the necessity to conduct rigorous ISS-relevant crop screening on the ground. Additionally, crops must be selected to address specific nutritional deficits as identified by HRP, with an emphasis on having a large diversity of crops available to meet nutritional requirements and crew acceptability. A variety of crop types are necessary to address known nutritional deficits in the stored astronaut diet, to include leafy greens (vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium), tomatoes and peppers (vitamin C, potassium, lycopene), and legumes (vitamin B1).Legumes are being evaluated for biological performance and suitability under ISS-like environmental conditions as well as nutritional content and acceptability. Legumes are one of the few pick and eat crop types that is an excellent source of Vitamin B1.In FY21-22 Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) is funding screening of 32 legume crop cultivars at KSC, 16 of which will be down-selected based on horticultural performance and informal taste testing for further horticultural assessment and analysis. HRP in FY21-22 is funding organoleptic and nutritional analysis of these 16 down-selected legume cultivars to determine the most promising candidates for future space applications. Nutritional analysis will include full elemental, proximate (fat, protein, calories, carbohydrates, ash), and vitamins B1, C, K. This new work is currently postponed due to Covid-19.

L E Spencer↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

One-Carbon Metabolism and SANS 2022 Update

Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, or SANS, affects a subset of astronauts (1, 2), and biochemical evidence has documented differences in those astronauts (3). Specifically, they had higher circulating concentrations of metabolites of the one-carbon metabolic pathway (1C), including homocysteine, and these concentrations were higher before flight (3). After ruling out many potential confounding factors in these otherwise healthy individuals (e.g., sex, kidney function, vitamin status, coffee consumption), a study of genetics was warranted. In an initial pilot effort, we documented a genetic predisposition to develop ophthalmic changes after long-duration space flight (4). That is, from a limited study of 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we found that the G allele for the MTRR A66G SNP was associated with a greater risk of choroidal folds and cotton-wool spots after flight, and the C allele for SHMT1 C1420T was protective against optic disc edema (4). These data provide a potential pathway for understanding why some individuals develop SANS, while others do not. The initial pilot study of 5 SNPs yielded striking findings, but the 1C pathway is far more complex. An effort was undertaken to examine more than 500 1C SNPs to see if a broader examination could help illuminate this association. That work is ongoing. The astronaut findings led us to advocate for the inclusion of 1C pathway genetic and biochemistry testing on other SANS-related projects, noting that genetics might help identify responders, non-responders, or outliers. The first such effort yielded evidence of an association of specific forms of the MTRR and SHMT-1 SNPs and vitamin B12 status with end-tidal CO2 after acute carbon dioxide exposure (5). The second such effort led to the identification that individuals exposed to strict head-down tilt and CO2 for 30-d who developed optic disc edema also had risk alleles for the two SNPs described above (6). Additionally, we identified a clinical population with many characteristics either attributed or purported to be involved in the ocular changes seen in affected astronauts: women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition of androgen excess and anovulatory menstrual cycles. The shared characteristics and clinical findings between SANS and PCOS generally include higher circulating homocysteine concentrations, increased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, increased androgen concentrations (or responses), and altered carbohydrate metabolism. To our knowledge, no study has examined whether women with PCOS have asymptomatic ophthalmic anomalies observed in astronauts with SANS. While researchers have evaluated the one-carbon metabolism pathway polymorphisms of PCOS patients, and initial studies show an association with certain one-carbon polymorphisms, none have looked at the set of SNPs identified in our studies that are associated with ophthalmic changes in astronauts. Accordingly, we designed a study to evaluate the association of one-carbon pathway SNPs and ophthalmic findings in patients with PCOS and/or IIH compared to controls. Subjects provided blood samples for vitamin and one carbon biochemistry analyses, an extensive analysis of >500 SNPs associated with one carbon metabolism and had eye examinations and ocular imaging. Data analysis are underway. The data collected to date have shown associations between one carbon pathway biochemistry and genetics and incidence of SANS. The mechanisms for SANS has yet to be identified, although many hypotheses exist. Based on our data, we have developed (8, 9) and expanded (6) a multi-hit hypothesis for how these seemingly disparate findings could be linked. While intriguing, the hypothesis represents the starting point for further research. We aim to clarify the relationship between B-vitamin status and genetics with regard to the risk of SANS. Ultimately, understanding the mechanism(s) behind this will provide a means to predict, prevent, or treat these ophthalmologic pathologies in astronauts, and terrestrial populations.

S M Smith↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The membrane bioreactor (MBR): A hybrid technology for bioregenerative wastewater treatment and resource recovery in space

Extraplanetary surface habitat life support systems (LSS) on the Moon and Mars, as well as long-duration space travel, will require novel capabilities to withstand anticipated unique, harsh conditions. In order to provide safe, habitable environments for the crew, water purification and waste processing systems will be required to treat all sources of water (condensate, Sabatier, urine, hygiene, fecal, food waste) in order to achieve the necessary levels of recovery needed to sustain life over the long-duration missions. The ability to recycle organic wastes creates an opportunity to recover critical elements (e.g., C, H, O, N, P) for subsequent food production, water purification, and atmospheric regeneration. Bioregenerative systems mimic functions of nature in engineered systems, or bioreactors, utilizing combination of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and archaea. While these systems are commonly used on Earth for wastewater treatment, bioreactors for space travel face additional challenges. Terrestrial bioreactors often rely on gravitational settling of dense flocs and granules for cell retention. For micro- or partial-gravity environments, density differential alone will not be adequate for cell retention; a gravity-independent means for cell retention is crucial. The membrane bioreactor represents the state of the art in wastewater treatment. This hybrid system combines biological processes with membrane filtration to achieve performance beyond what each can accomplish individually. The complete cell retention in an MBR allows for the decoupling of hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solids retention time (SRT), which result in a high-thruput, compact, treatment system. The Bioregenerative Water Technology Team at NASA Kennedy Space Center and the University of South Florida has developed a bioregenerative platform based on the hybrid MBR technology. The overall architecture is compact, modular, flexible, and adaptable to mission evolutions. The main subsystems of the bioregenerative architecture include: 1) Anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR): Also termed the Organic processor assembly (OPA), the function of the AnMBR is to treat organic wastes such as fecal and food wastes. These wastes are characterized by a concentration of suspended solids comprised of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. The assigned function of the AnMBR is to break down and covert suspended solids to biogas (methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide), reduce effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), liberate organically-bound nutrients, and remove pathogenic organisms. 2) Phototrophic membrane bioreactor (PMBR): The PMBR is comprised of a co-culture of microalgae and bacteria. The assigned function of the PMBR is to polish the permeate of the AnMBR to further remove dissolved organic carbon, manage nutrients (nitrogen transformation, load dampening), and perform air revitalization. 3) Food processor assembly (FPA): The FPA is a food production platform (prokaryotic or eukaryotic), fueled by outputs from the AnMBR, or PMBR. For the presentation, we will describe each step of the bioregenerative architecture, and present performance data from extended trials treating analog and real metabolic wastes.

Bioreactor↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Murine Host-gut Microbiota Interactions are Modulated During Spaceflight

The rodent habitat on the International Space Station has provided critical insight into the impact of spaceflight on mammalian physiology. These effects include dysfunction of carbohydrate, steroid and lipid metabolism, and immune response, as well as induction of symptoms characteristic of liver disease, insulin resistance, osteopenia and myopathy, which are anticipated to intensify over long-duration spaceflight. Although these physiological responses can involve the microbiome, the host-microorganism interactions during spaceflight are still largely unknown. NASA GeneLab curates a wide range of space research data and the current work harnesses GeneLab multi’omic data from recent Rodent Research studies to explore changes to gut microbiota during spaceflight and their associations with host physiology when compared to ground controls. Using a hybrid analysis of DNA barcoding and whole genome shotgun data, an array of bacteria, fungi and nematodes could be identified at species level, and significant differences in relative abundances associated with spaceflight. Functional prediction based on differential abundance of species and metagenome gene inventories as well as metatranscriptomic gene expression at the host-gut microbiome interface implicate microbiota interactions could contribute to spaceflight pathology. Harnessing carefully curated publicly available data, such as from Genelab, to generate multi‘omic space science discoveries can help decipher the complex host-microbiome interactions that influence both health on Earth and the feasibility of long-duration spaceflight.

Microbiome↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Novel Microgreen Crop Testing for Space

Long-duration missions beyond low-Earth orbit will encounter challenges in maintaining adequate nutrition and crew acceptability in the food system. In situ production of fresh produce can supplement nutrient deficiencies in the prepackaged diet. Currently, there are a relatively small number of crops that can be reliably grown in space for space crop production efforts. An intriguing area of new investigation involves novel types of microgreens that have the potential to be sources of calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein. These sources of nutrition are not obtainable in significant quantities with current pick and eat crops. Many microgreen cultivars are also sources of nutrients of interest, such as Vitamins B1, C, and K, and elements such as potassium. Microgreens should be selected to address specific nutritional deficits, as identified by NASA’s Human Research Program, with an emphasis on having a diversity of crops to meet nutritional requirements and crew acceptability. To achieve this, the concept of Crop Readiness Level (CRL) has been developed to gauge readiness of crops for spaceflight applications. CRL includes assessing environmental compatibility, food safety considerations, relevant nutritional analysis, and sensory analysis. Recent testing at Kennedy Space Center has focused on advancing the CRL of a variety of novel microgreens. These varieties were grown under 150 µmol m -2 s -1 PPFD from LED lights, 3000 ppm CO 2 , and 23°C to simulate an ISS environment. Crops were harvested and yield was assessed. Then, baseline microbiological and nutritional analysis (Vitamins B1, C, K; mineral analysis; proximate analysis) and sensory evaluation were performed. These baseline data are essential to selecting candidate crops for future missions and assessing crop production hardware and changes in environmental conditions on future crop performance and nutritional quality.

nutrition↗
NASA NTRS2024

Herpesviruses in Saliva and Their Clinical Significance

Saliva has been used as a source of biological markers for a wide spectrum of normal and disease states for a long time. It is a non-invasive, easily accessible, and self-collected body fluid that contains a variety of measurable biological substances. While mostly water, saliva also contains ions, carbohydrates, proteins and peptides, exfoliated cells, nucleic acids, and microorganisms. Saliva can reflect tissue levels of some natural substances and a large variety of molecules introduced for therapeutic use, emotional status; hormonal status, immunological status, neurological effects, and nutritional and metabolic status. It can also be used to monitor a variety of drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol. It is the most cost-effective approach for screening large population in community mass screening programs and for longitudinal sampling of hospitalized individuals aimed at monitoring viral load dynamics and treatment response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific evidence emerged indicating that molecular tests performed on saliva have diagnostic sensitivity and specificity comparable to those observed with nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. The presence of IgA and IgG antibodies at the mucosal level has been demonstrated to influence the progression of viral infection and the severity of clinical manifestation. As saliva contains both respiratory secretions and immunological components, it has wide applications, ranging from clinical diagnostics to post-vaccine disease burden and immunity surveillance.

Douglass Diak↗