Further understanding of wound healing processes

ISS In vitro Experiment which will study changes that occur during skin wound healing processes under spaceflight conditions. Project is linked to the Wound Healing topical team which is aimed at understanding wound healing processes, diagnostics and therapeutics.

Mung Bean cultivation in spaceflight to support reliable food production in closed environments

Studies crop plant (Mung Bean) cultivation in spaceflight, to support optimisation of high plant compartment of MELISSA bioregenerative life support system. Knowledge and technology relevant to reliable food production in closed / compact environments.

Producing oxygen in space through photosynthesis with spirulina

ISS Experiment with minature photobioreactor using Arthrospira (Spirulina) to understand behaviour of this compartment of the MELISSA bioregenerative life support system under spaceflight conditions. The first part of the experiment was performed onabord ISS in early 2018 and a second part isin  preparation.

Understanding the mechanisms of  Immune suppression

Determining the role of programmed apoptosis (cell death) in loss of white blood cells (originating in the thymus) in microgravity.

Understanding how reduced mechical load / shear may affect vascular function 

ISS In vitro Experiment in KUBIK incubator studying how microgravity affects smooth muscles in veins. The results of the experiment showed that smooth muscle contractability was decreased in microgravity due to calcium channel down regulation. A similar effect was also observed in an animal model. Data from this study is relevant to understanding how reduced mechical load / shear may affect vascular function.

Understanding how low shear conditions and gravity may affect endothelial cell function

Studying mechanisms of plant response to gravity and light