Johnson Space Center Office of Communications
Aug 26, 2024
Scientist effectively produced cellulose from germs cultured on the International Space Station for 4 weeks. The germs utilized in the experiment, K. hansenii, is understood to produce the greatest quantity of cellulose and might be thought about for massive production in microgravity to support the advancement of products utilized in building and construction, clothes, and the supply of energy.
Ice Cubes Experiment Cube # 4, # 5- Kirara, a temperature-controlled module normally utilized for protein formation, was utilized here to breed the target germs. Scientist established a personalized approach that included changing gas and air in numerous culture vessels in low-temperature conditions. Future research studies might assist to promote big scale production of bacterial cellulose to support deep area expedition.
Scientist studied 2 homes of oil-in-water emulsions in microgravity (i.e., drop size and drop displacement at a consistent speed and instructions), discovering that while oil drops grow gradually, drop displacement reduces. This was an unanticipated observation in microgravity where neither sedimentation nor creaming takes place. These outcomes might enhance understanding of fluid mechanics pertinent to commercial procedures in the world and allow innovations for area expedition.
Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) Soft Matter Dynamics– Particle STAbilised Emulsions and Foams (PASTA) research studies the characteristics of beads to improve understanding of coalescence and size advancement in emulsions. Emulsions are systems where 2 unmixable fluids are integrated through little beads inside the 2nd liquid. Scientist discussed that drop development was the outcome of aggregation (or coalescence) in between little drops hitting each other. Improved understanding of coalescence, a home that is related to the stability of surfactants such as oils, dyes, and cleaning agents, can result in a more secure environment and sustainability of specific emulsion innovations in numerous arenas such as the food, pharmaceutical, paint, and lubrication markets.
Nystagmus, a condition connected with vestibular imbalance and cerebellar dysfunction identified by quick and unmanageable eye motions, was discovered in about 45% of team members right after landing. Proper medical diagnosis of this condition allows the advancement of methods and countermeasures for a quick healing after spaceflight.
In the Field Test examination, scientists examined the intricacy, intensity, and period of physical modifications that took place in astronauts after spaceflight. Astronauts and cosmonauts that reside in area for prolonged durations experience physical modifications that have obvious results once they go back to Earth’s gravity, consisting of modifications to vision, balance, coordination, high blood pressure, and the capability to stroll. Some team members revealed nystagmus in numerous look positions, with considerable healing recognized 10 to 13 days postflight. These outcomes broaden scientists’ understanding of vestibular conditions, adjustments to spaceflight, and characteristics of healing after extended microgravity direct exposure.