British Space Agency funds new experiments aboard the International Space Station



[ad_1]

British science will be launched in space to help combat the effects of aging, thanks to funding from the British Space Agency, Science Minister Sam Gyimah said.

The Minister announced the release of a new funding of nearly 3 million pounds for experiments, in anticipation of the 20th anniversary of the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, 20 November.

In preparation for their launch in 2021, two of the experiments will focus on age-related muscle loss, while a third will look at new techniques for producing materials and alloys in the future. 39 space whose properties can not be obtained on Earth.

Although age-related muscle weakness has a major impact on the quality of life of older adults, the causes of the process are not fully understood. The aging society of the United Kingdom is one of four major challenges identified by the government's modern industrial strategy.

Sam Gyimah, Minister of Science, said, "This research will help people with muscle problems live longer, healthier and happier lives and is a great example of our modern industrial strategy in action: transforming life on Earth through extra-global research. "

Spaceflight is an extreme environment that causes many negative health changes to the body and astronauts can lose up to 40% of their muscles after 6 months in space. These changes are considered an excellent model for the aging process of the body, and scientists can use the knowledge gained by studying changes in astronauts to better understand the aging of the human body.

Graham Turnock, director of the British Space Agency, said: "For 20 years, the International Space Station has been a unique laboratory for astronauts to conduct cutting-edge research, and we celebrate all the progress made over the past two years. This new funding puts British academics at the forefront of future pioneering scientific research, enabling us to acquire knowledge that will improve life on Earth. "

The University of Liverpool has received more than 1.1 million pounds to study age-related muscle loss, using muscle cells grown in the laboratory. The cells will be encouraged to contract with electricity from the International Space Station and scientists will examine the changes they undergo when they return to Earth. They will also test the effects of exposure of some of the muscle cells to increased amounts of protective shock proteins, which could change the way they react to the hostile environment in the space.

The results of this study will improve our understanding of the processes underlying muscle loss in space and in the elderly on Earth and will indicate potential treatments to prevent it.

Professor Malcolm Jackson, of the University of Liverpool, said: "Aging is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century and the opportunity to use microgravity to help understand the mechanisms under -Come to the age-related muscle loss is really exciting.

"This project combines Liverpool's aging and chronic disease research strengths with the technical expertise of our industrial partner, Kayser Space, to design and build a state-of-the-art space experience with real impact."

The Universities of Nottingham and Exeter Will Receive Nearly £ 450,000 to Expand a Study on Space-Flight-Induced Muscle Loss, an Experiment to be Launched Later this Year as Hundreds of Microscopic Worms Fly Into the ISS .

Microscopic worms, known as C. elegans, share many of the essential biological characteristics of humans and are affected by biological changes in space, including changes in muscle and the ability to use muscle. 'energy.

Professor Nathaniel Szewczyk, of the University of Nottingham, said: "We are delighted to be able to continue research into the causes and treatments of muscle loss in space, a research that could be carried out. apply to muscle loss due to illness and age on Earth.

"Most importantly, it is an incredible opportunity to demonstrate, with Kayser Space, an all-British capability to conduct space biology experiments, and it will be extremely pleasing to see our international partners turn to the world." United Kingdom for its leadership in this project. "

The ISS environment, where astronauts and objects float in weightlessness, provides an excellent opportunity to explore new materials, life in space, the human body, fluid physics, new technologies, and much more. other things.

The University of Strathclyde will receive nearly 1.3 million pounds to study how shaking a liquid in microgravity causes the accumulation of solid particles and the formation of highly ordered aggregates, instead of simply dispersing suspended particles . This surprising phenomenon only occurs if the liquid is heated and shaken at the same time. These experiments will lead to advanced contactless manipulation strategies for the production of new materials and alloys.

Professor Marcello Lappa of the University of Strathclyde said: "These experiments, enabled by the microgravity conditions, the state-of-the-art facilities available on the ISS and the specific equipment manufactured by QinetiQ in the United Kingdom, will emerge. on new advanced techniques and nanotechnologies for the production, in the space of materials whose properties can not be obtained on Earth ".

The UK is able to support these experiences through the European Space Agency's Explored Exploration Program, ensuring that British science benefits directly from manned spaceflight.

Related Links

British Space Agency

News on space tourism, space transportation and space exploration



Thank you for being here;

We need your help. The SpaceDaily information network continues to grow but revenues have never been more difficult to maintain.

With the rise of ad blockers and Facebook, our traditional revenue streams via quality advertising on the network continue to shrink. And unlike many other news sites, we do not have a paywall – with these usernames and boring passwords.

Our press coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you feel that our news sites are useful and useful, then consider becoming a regular supporter or contributing for the moment.


SpaceDaily Contributor

$ 5 billed once

credit card or paypal


SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$ 5 billed per month

Paypal only




TRAVEL IN SPACE
Bad weather delays US launch of spacecraft on Saturday

Washington (AFP) Nov 15, 2018

The windy weather has delayed until Saturday the planned launch of an American cargo ship loaded with supplies for astronauts living at the International Space Station, NASA said Thursday.

The 4:01 (0901 GMT) delay on November 17th in Wallops Island, Virginia marks the second time launch managers have postponed the mission to its initial flight plan on Thursday.

"The teams decided to wait another day for the launch after evaluating adverse weather conditions, such as high winds and … read more

[ad_2]
Source link