Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Li-Jin Liu, Shuang Li, Xin-Tong Wu, Xiao Yang, Lian-Wen Sun
Summary: This study investigated the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in the altered mechanosensitivity of osteocytes under simulated microgravity (SMG). The results showed that SMG caused an enlargement of the endoplasmic reticulum and an increase in the expression of ERS-related factors, leading to a decrease in the mechanical response of osteocytes. The use of an ERS antagonist, melatonin, was able to counteract these effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Neha S. Dole, Jihee Yoon, David A. Monteiro, Jason Yang, Courtney M. Mazur, Serra Kaya, Cassandra D. Belair, Tamara Alliston
Summary: This study investigated a microRNA-dependent mechanism mediating the crosstalk between TGF-β and Wnt signaling in osteocytes exposed to fluid shear stress, revealing that miR-100 integrates the functions of these two essential pathways by antagonizing Wnt signaling.
Article
Cell Biology
Janet Mansour, Carolin Berwanger, Marcel Jung, Ludwig Eichinger, Ben Fabry, Christoph S. Clemen
Summary: In ground-based cell biological research, a clinostat is commonly used to simulate a assumed microgravity environment. However, we found that fast clinorotation induces complex fluid motions in cell culture vessels, triggering unintended cellular responses. Therefore, cell biological results from fast clinorotation cannot be attributed to microgravity without rigorous testing and alternative explanations. Two control experiments, a static non-rotating control and a control for fluid motion, are necessary for accurate interpretation. Strategies to minimize fluid motion in clinorotation experiments are also discussed.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sharon L. L. Truesdell, Marnie M. M. Saunders
Summary: As microfluidic technology advances, in vitro models are increasingly used to mimic complex biological microenvironments. However, the cost of commercially produced equipment is often prohibitive for smaller research groups. Here, we developed an accurate and cost-effective on-chip pumping system that generates oscillating fluid flow within a custom-designed microfluidic device. This system allows for precise manipulation of small quantities of fluid and the mechanical stimulation of cells with fluid shear stress.
MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Leanne M. Friedrich, Ross T. Gunther, Jonathan E. Seppala
Summary: Extrusion-based bioprinting is a powerful tool for fabricating complex cell-laden constructs. Embedded ink writing (EIW) is an extrusion-based printing technique that allows for low-viscosity inks, but may result in shape defects. Computational fluid dynamics simulations show that using a conical nozzle, increasing the nozzle diameter, decreasing the print speed, and decreasing the ink viscosity can improve cell viability for stress magnitude-sensitive cells, but may increase damage and shape defects for stress duration-sensitive cells.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
N. Lara-Castillo, L. Brotto, J. A. Vallejo, K. Javid, M. J. Wacker, L. F. Bonewald, M. L. Johnson
Summary: Skeletal muscle and bone interact mechanically, but also have molecular/biochemical coupling. This study investigated the essential role of muscle and muscle-derived factors in the osteocyte response to mechanical loading. The results suggested that active muscle contraction produces factors necessary for the osteocyte's ability to respond to load. Additionally, specific muscles and myotubes were found to produce factors that alter important signaling pathways involved in the response of osteocytes to mechanical load, indicating a molecular coupling between muscle and bone.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mizpha C. Fernander, Paris K. Parsons, Billal Khaled, Amina Bradley, Joseph L. Graves, Misty D. Thomas
Summary: Long-term space missions can increase the incidence of oral diseases in astronauts, making it an important concern for future missions. In this study, the adaptive response of Streptococcus mutans to simulated microgravity was evaluated. The results showed that S. mutans developed genetic variants and exhibited decreased acid tolerance and adhesion in the simulated microgravity environment. This study highlights the importance of a control group, sequencing at multiple time points, and the use of biological replicates in the analysis of adaptation to simulated microgravity.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Funmilola A. Oluwafemi, Adhithiyan Neduncheran
Summary: Gravity on Earth can be modified or compensated using microgravity platforms. Products created under microgravity often have superior properties compared to their terrestrial counterparts, making them attractive for marketing. Different types of platforms, such as drop towers and space laboratories, are used for short-term and long-term experiments to study the effects of microgravity.
ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachel Gilbert, Nicole Tanenbaum, Sharmila Bhattacharya
Summary: This study evaluates the mechanism for increased virulence of the opportunistic gram-negative bacterium, Serratia marcescens, in simulated microgravity. The study found that simulated microgravity increases asparagine uptake and synthesis in S. marcescens, which contributes to increased host mortality. The addition of both aspartate and glutamine causes an increase in host mortality and an overexpression of asparagine pathway genes. L-asparaginase-mediated breakdown of asparagine is an effective countermeasure for the increased host mortality caused by simulated microgravity-treated bacteria.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mathias Busek, Aleksandra Aizenshtadt, Timo Koch, Anna Frank, Ludivine Delon, Mikel Amirola Martinez, Alexey Golovin, Clotilde Dumas, Justyna Stokowiec, Stefan Gruenzner, Espen Melum, Stefan Krauss
Summary: We developed a pump-less directional flow recirculating organ-on-a-chip platform that creates controlled unidirectional gravity-driven flow. The platform features two organoid compartments supported by independent perfusion channels, separated by a hydrogel barrier. We demonstrated the suitability of the platform for functional culture of endothelial cells and the viability of human stem-cell derived liver organoids, as well as the circulation of immune cells in the microfluidic channels.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mustafa Nile, Matthias Folwaczny, Andrea Wichelhaus, Uwe Baumert, Mila Janjic Rankovic
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview and discussion of the methodological technical details regarding fluid flow application in 2D cell culture in vitro experimental conditions. It provides valuable information about cellular molecular events and their quantitative and qualitative analysis, while also confirming the reproducibility of previously published results.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Niaz Oliazadeh, Kristen F. Gorman, Mohamed Elbakry, Alain Moreau
Summary: This study characterizes the mechanosensory defect in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) osteoblasts by examining cilia length dynamics, actin filament rearrangement, cell migration, and secretion of VEGF-A and PGE2. The findings suggest that there are abnormalities in cellular mechanotransduction in AIS, in addition to observed primary cilium defects. This altered mechanotransduction may play a role in the pathomechanism of AIS and should be considered in the development of more effective bracing treatments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cristina Manis, Antonio Murgia, Alessia Manca, Antonella Pantaleo, Giacomo Cao, Pierluigi Caboni
Summary: Our study using a hyphenated ion mobility mass spectrometric platform for lipid profiling of human erythrocytes expands the understanding of cellular processes and stress due to microgravity. We identified complex lipids associated with microgravity conditions, such as oxidized phosphocholines, phosphocholines bearing arachidonic in their moiety, as well as sphingomyelins and hexosyl ceramides. These findings provide insights into molecular alterations and erythrocyte lipidomics signatures associated with microgravity conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liu Zi Fan, Wang Hai Ming, Jiang Min, Wang Lin, Lin Le Jian, Zhao Yun Zhang, Shao Jun Jie, Zhou Jing Jing, Xie Man Jiang, Li Xin, Zhang Ran
Summary: The study reveals that mitochondrial oxidative stress enhances cerebral vasoconstriction by regulating calcium homeostasis in hindlimb unweighted rat cerebral arteries during simulated microgravity. The increase of mitochondrial fission and decrease of fusion lead to exacerbated vascular contractile responses, with alterations in K+ channel currents and open probabilities.
BIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aranzazu Manzano, Eugenie Carnero-Diaz, Raul Herranz, F. Javier Medina
Summary: This article reviews transcriptomic studies conducted on plants grown in spaceflights and different ground-based microgravity simulators, and found that cell wall remodeling, oxidative stress, defense response, and photosynthesis are common altered processes in plants grown under spaceflight conditions.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
A. I. Krikunova, A. D. Cheshko, V. V. Krivets
Summary: Fire safety is crucial for the development of efficient and safe energy systems for space objects. This paper focuses on studying the influence of gravity on combustion processes and analyzes the dynamics of inverted conical methane-air flame under external acoustic excitation. The results show that at high excitation frequencies, the intensity of vortex generation is similar to that observed in experiments with normal gravity, indicating the dominance of acoustic mechanism. Additionally, at an external excitation frequency of 240 Hz, significant growth in shear vortex diameters and increased amplitude of perpendicular oscillations of flame branches were observed, indicating the most intensive large scale instability of flow.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Liya Huang, Mingquan Gong, Jiarui Zhang, Kun Liang, He Yang
Summary: Metallized gel propellants with exceptional stability and remarkable shear-thinning properties were successfully synthesized by utilizing cooperative hydrogen bonding between polymer octanoyl cellulose and the small Thixatrol ST molecule.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Clemence Poirier, Michelle Hermes, Marco Aliberti
Summary: This paper examines the role of space-based data in European climate policies and assesses the barriers to the use of space technology in climate policymaking in European countries. The research findings indicate that while satellite data is crucial for scientific research and climate policies, the role of space is not accurately reflected in European climate policies.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Yan-mei Zhou, Ji-ping Wu, Wei Huang, Gautam Choubey
Summary: This study investigates the combustion performance of sinusoidal pulsed jets in supersonic flows using numerical simulations. It is found that the pulsed jets can significantly improve combustion efficiency.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Wang Zhao, Shujun Tan, Yiliang Guo
Summary: This study proposes an adaptive Pogo active suppression controller design method that utilizes measured acceleration as feedback. The eigenspace transformation theory is employed to design dimensional reduced models for observer and adaptive controller, effectively addressing the issues of model parameter uncertainty and time-varying parameters. Simulation analysis of a certain type of rocket demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
A. V. Nebylov, V. A. Nebylov
Summary: This article discusses the safety issues of astronauts during the landing process and investigates how rescuers can effectively carry out rescue missions. The article also takes into account the special maritime conditions of the Vostochny cosmodrome.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Pietro Davide Maddio, Rosario Sinatra, Alberto Meschini, Riccardo Rigato, Marco Lapi, Davide Scarozza, Alessandro Cammarata
Summary: This study aims to develop a versatile cable net generation algorithm for designing offset cable nets in parabolic reflectors. The study proposes a methodology that leverages quasi-geodesic curves and introduces two types of these curves. The study also presents various solutions for different cable net layouts and introduces a quality index based on an equilateral triangle cable net.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Nahum Melamed, Tom Heinsheimer
Summary: Traditional methods of asteroid trajectory modification rely on impact or nuclear detonation, while centrifugal propulsion offers an alternative approach. The centrifuge system lands on the asteroid and gradually adjusts the trajectory using momentum transfer. This method allows for flexibility in operation parameters and has the potential to be used in planetary defense and other space missions.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Andrew Barth, Ou Ma
Summary: As humans continue to explore the surfaces of the Moon and Mars, the use of distributed heterogeneous robot teams can increase the chances of success by utilizing the complementary capabilities and synergy of the team members. Effective cooperation and collaboration between the members of a robot team is crucial, but defining a metric for effective cooperation is challenging. This paper presents a method for determining reward criteria that can be used for training robot swarm through reinforcement learning techniques. The trained robot team exhibits high success rates and cooperative behavior in test environments, demonstrating the robustness and scalability of the training strategies.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Kaijie Zhu, Qiquan Quan, Dewei Tang, Yachao Dong, Kaiyi Wang, Bo Tang, Qi Wu, Zongquan Deng
Summary: This study proposes a deployable Mars quadcopter for air patrol and sampling missions. By describing its structure, avionics architecture, and autonomous flight control method, it provides a feasible framework for future Mars flight sampling missions.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Avishai Melamed, Adi Rao, Sarah Kreps, Erika Palmer
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Colin Hunter, Avinkrishnan Vijayachandran, Anthony M. Waas
Summary: Deployable structures inspired by origami have gained significant prominence in space applications. Recent advancements in multi-material additive manufacturing have opened new possibilities for the fabrication of monolithic structures. This paper presents a novel framework for designing deployable structures using viscoelastic hinges incorporated into rigid plates. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of these hinge designs in real-world applications.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Aleksander V. Efremov, Mikhail S. Tiaglik, Aleksey S. Tiaglik, Iliyas Kh Irgaleev, Tatyana V. Voronka
Summary: Theoretical and experimental studies were conducted to determine the best kind of information presented on a predictive display for the highest accuracy in space mission execution, while considering reduced propellant consumption.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Fuwen Liang, Long Miao, Feng Tian, Jiahui Song, Ningfei Wang, Xiao Hou
Summary: This study investigates the influence of deployment friction on the dynamic characteristics of nonconductive space tether through experimental measurement and numerical simulation. The results show that deployment friction significantly limits the uncontrolled tether deployment, while increasing the initial deployment velocity and satellite effective mass, as well as decreasing orbital altitude, can enhance the deployment capability and dynamic stability. In addition, an optimal matching relationship between tether length and satellite total mass is proposed, which is of substantial importance for the design of nonconductive space tether systems.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Amirah R. Algethami, Colin R. McInnes, Matteo Ceriotti
Summary: This paper utilizes the Hill's approximation model to manipulate the relative motion of two asteroids by three impulses, resulting in their bound binary motion in Earth's orbit. The feasibility of this strategy is demonstrated, and potential applications for parking small captured near-Earth asteroids in Earth's orbit are discussed.