Research reviews show that back pain in space is often sciatica, a form of back pain radiating down the legs. Astronauts experience changes in spine curvature due to microgravity, leading to acute and chronic pain upon return to Earth.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that long-term exposure to space can cause brain damage in cosmonauts. The research analyzed five Russian male cosmonauts who spent an average of 169 days in space, showing significant increases in biomarkers for brain cell damage upon their return to Earth.
A new study aims to use the microgravity conditions of space to better understand how flames spread on Earth. By performing complementary ground-based and microgravity experiments, researchers can precisely measure flame spread along a combustible object, allowing for more accurate predictions of wildfire behavior.
Researchers are reconstructing life on the ISS over two decades to understand space culture and how astronauts interact with their tools and colleagues. The project uses digital photography, crowdsourcing, and archaeological surveys to document developments and changes within the station's lifestyle and cultural makeup.
China's space transportation systems have made significant leaps in recent decades, with advancements in launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and artificial intelligence. The country aims to become a powerful space nation by the mid-21st century, with plans for manned missions to the Moon and Mars.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a carbon dioxide reactor that can convert CO2 into methane, a potential fuel source for Mars. The process, known as the Sabatier reaction, could reduce fuel needs by half for astronauts returning to Earth, making it a promising solution for future Mars missions.
A multidisciplinary team of Lehigh University researchers will conduct experiments on thermophoresis in complex fluids for bioseparations at the International Space Station. The team hopes to understand how temperature gradients affect particles and improve virus separation techniques with potential societal impact.
Researchers deployed 100 short-period seismometers to measure ice flow velocity in East Antarctica, tracking movement of up to 1m over a one-month period. The study found that seismic stations on ice sheets showed shifting longitude distributions, while those on bedrock maintained consistent coordinates.
A team of researchers characterized different bacterial populations isolated from the International Space Station's potable water system, exploring their functional properties and long-term interactions. The study aimed to improve microbial risk assessments for human-built environments in space and on Earth.
UMass Lowell students have designed and built a miniature satellite, SPACE HAUC, which will be launched into Earth's orbit this fall. The satellite aims to demonstrate fast data transmission technology, and its success will train the next generation of astronomers and space scientists.
Researchers are working to improve space weather forecasting to prevent power grid damage and satellite communications disruptions. The University of Michigan's Space Weather Modeling Framework uses a global representation of Earth's Geospace environment to predict magnetic disturbances on the ground.
NRF2 helps keep muscles from weakening in low gravity by regulating oxidative stress. In mice, NRF2 deficiency accelerates fast-twitch fiber type transition and changes energy metabolism during space flight.
Researchers have developed a novel method for studying DNA repair in yeast cells that can be conducted entirely in space, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. The technique successfully demonstrated the viability of the new method on the ISS, paving the way for extensive research into DNA repair in space.
Researchers analyzed over 900 patents to identify key technological trends in the New Space economy. The study found that data is the most valuable asset in this ecosystem, with 62% of patents related to data products and services. Emerging topics include active constellation management and new satellite systems design.
Measurements of iron spectrum in cosmic rays reveal that hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen nuclei travel through the galaxy similarly, but iron arrives differently. The findings provide a measurement of the galaxy structure and particle propagation through observations of element abundances and energy spectra.
A global correlation between urban green space and happiness was found across 60 countries using satellite imagery data. The study revealed that urban green space adds to happiness beyond the baseline determined by a nation's wealth.
A recent study found that urban green spaces, including parks and gardens, have a positive correlation with citizen happiness. The study analyzed data from satellite images of 60 countries and found that the area of green space acted as a more important factor affecting happiness in countries with higher GDP per capita.
Researchers at Shinshu University and the National Polar Research Institute found a Forbush decrease in cosmic ray counts during a CME event, but the CR density exceeded its original level before exiting the Magnetic Flux Rope. The high-speed solar wind caused this unusual enhancement of CR density through local compression of the MFR.
Researchers found that space travel perturbs human physiology, leading to weaker immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections. The study suggests that T regulator cells (Tregs) play a key role in the weakening of an astronaut's immune system during space travel.
Researchers developed new software for improved space weather prediction, leveraging supercomputers and advanced computing techniques to analyze magnetized solar wind plasma. This effort aims to enhance the accuracy of predictions for coronal mass ejections and their impact on Earth's magnetosphere.
Wildland management must adapt to unprecedented ecosystem changes due to climate change, invasive species, and land use conversion. Scientists from the Rocky Mountain Research Station suggest a more inclusive governance model to improve collaboration and learning.
Scientists have discovered a clear pattern in extreme space weather events, making it possible to predict when they will occur. The findings suggest that Moon missions may be delayed to avoid the most intense periods of solar activity, which can pose risks to astronauts and satellites.
The world's largest and most powerful space science telescope, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, has completed a key milestone with the fully expanded and locked primary mirror.
Researchers used NASA's NICER telescope on the International Space Station to measure the size of PSR J0740+6620, the most massive known neutron star. The team's findings provide insights into the squeezability of matter in neutron star cores, shedding light on what happens when neutrons break down into smaller particles.
A team of engineers is building a fridge that can operate in zero gravity and different orientations, providing astronauts with access to longer-lasting and more nutritious food. The fridge aims to extend the shelf life of canned and dried food from three years to five to six years.
Scientists quantify space-time nonseparability of electromagnetic pulses using quantum state tomography and calculate fidelity, concurrence, and entanglement. They propose novel concepts for measuring space-time entanglement in structured light, opening new avenues for ultrahigh-capacity communication and high-security encryption.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that astronaut Scott Kelly's heart lost an average of 0.74 grams per week during his nearly a year-long stay in space. Despite regular exercise, the heart adapted relatively well and functioned well despite shrinking by about three-tenths of an ounce.
A team of Japanese scientists conducted a study on the psychological effects of living in Antarctica, using non-invasive surveys and tree drawings as tools. The results showed two types of coping mechanisms: stabilizing life by maintaining previous routines, and flexibly adjusting to new circumstances.
The study analyzed 39 variants of lunar human landers, considering key architectural decisions such as number of stages and propellant type. The analysis showed that expendable systems with 2-stage architecture are advantageous, but reusable vehicles with 1-stage or 3-stage systems offer comparable advantages.
Scientists have identified three novel bacterial strains on the International Space Station (ISS) that could aid in growing crops in space. The strains, including a previously undiscovered species, possess genetic determinants for promoting plant growth under stressful conditions.
A team of scientists detected a space hurricane in Earth's polar ionosphere and magnetosphere, revealing a long-lasting, swirling mass of plasma. The analysis allowed a 3D image to be created of the hurricane, which rained electrons instead of water.
Space radiation poses significant risks to astronaut cardiovascular health, including myocardial remodeling, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. Research highlights the potential of antioxidant treatments, such as vitamin C and spinach, to protect astronauts from space-induced damage.
Researchers developed a 5G indoor DAS technology that can receive millimeter wave-based broadband signals and transmit them into buildings. The technology significantly improves transmission capacity, equipment size, and deployment cost compared to conventional systems.
Researchers developed an AI that accurately identifies places with insufficient or out-of-service stations. The tool is particularly effective in micropolitan areas, where population growth may lead to infrastructure issues.
The TU Dresden satellite SOMP2b is used to study new nanomaterials under extreme space conditions and test systems converting solar heat into electricity. It measures the residual atmosphere around the satellite in a polar, sun-synchronous orbit.
The VENUS device simulates complex organic molecules in interstellar space conditions by replicating the strong vacuum and frigid temperatures found in space. This allows researchers to better understand how these molecules form and potentially identify prebiotic species involved in early life processes.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science devise a new electrochemical technology to manufacture ammonia-based fertilizer from urea, addressing the problem of food production in closed environments. The study aims to provide a solid basis for sustaining long-term stay in extremely closed spaces such as space stations.
Researchers studied spiders in space, where they built asymmetrical webs with the center displaced. However, when exposed to lamplight, the webs became more symmetrical, and spiders oriented themselves away from the light source.
A RUDN University professor suggested using a spacecraft-collector to remove space debris from lower orbits, which requires more complex equipment. For geostationary orbits, a tow-based approach is proposed, where the collector transports debris objects into the disposal orbit.
A cohort of NASA interns developed network protocols for Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), enabling flexible communication in space and remote areas. DTN will revolutionize space communications, empowering NASA to establish a sustained presence on the Moon.
Researchers found that space travel can make cellular mitochondria dysfunctional due to changes in gravity, radiation exposure, and other factors. This has significant implications for future space travel and medical science on Earth.
Researchers found subtle changes in about 1,000 genes and stronger effects in some genes, particularly among neurons, after exposing worms to low gravity. The study aims to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of spaceflight-induced health decline in humans and identify potential therapy targets.
Researchers at UC San Diego are launching an experiment to the ISS to study mudslides in microgravity and develop technologies to prevent them. They hope to create a protective layer using Xanthan gum, a common food additive.
Zi Chen's research project aims to identify biomechanical mechanisms driving early embryonic brain and heart development. The study may lead to a better understanding of birth defects such as situs inversus, which affects organ placement and replacement.
A recent study suggests that bacteria can extract useful materials from rocks on Mars and the Moon, paving the way for new technologies to support human exploration and settlement. The findings also highlight the potential of microorganisms to enhance the removal of rare earth elements from lunar and Martian landscapes.
A 3D-printed weather station was found to be accurate and viable for shorter campaigns, according to researchers. The low-cost sensors measured temperature, pressure, rain, UV, and relative humidity with accuracy comparable to commercial-grade stations.
Researchers found that D. radiodurans produced outer membrane vesicles and initiated multifaceted protein responses to alleviate cell stress after 1 year of exposure to low Earth orbit. The bacteria also used polyamine putrescine as a reactive oxygen species scavenger during regeneration.
Project Man in Space, initiated by social psychologist Donald Michael in 1955, aimed to capture public opinion on space exploration. The program's research revealed strong interest in Sputnik and influenced public support for new initiatives, but also perpetuated utopian narratives that obscured military applications.
A new optical communications ground station is being built in Western Australia to receive high-speed data transmissions from space. The station will be part of a larger network and support groundbreaking projects, including NASA's Artemis mission.
Sustainable space management is at risk under US-centric policies that prioritize national regulation over international cooperation. The Artemis Accords could lead to a 'race to the bottom' in space mining regulations, threatening lunar stability and increasing asteroid mining risks.
A review highlights the potential of treating space travelers with treatments targeting the gut microbiome to protect against negative health effects. Promoting a healthy gut microbiome may be key to reaching Mars in one piece.
Hurricane Laura made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane along the Louisiana coast, with sustained winds near 150 mph and a clear circular eye. NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a nighttime image of the storm just after landfall.
Hurricane Laura is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NASA capturing powerful images of the storm from space. The eye of the hurricane was located near latitude 26.4 degrees north and longitude 91.4 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 115 mph.
Researchers studied sleep patterns of astronauts before, during and after spaceflight to find that they slept an average of only 5.7 hours in space, with a 17.7% reduction in sleep efficiency. Sleep architecture also changed, with decreases in non-REM and REM sleep.
The James Webb Space Telescope successfully completed a critical ground segment test, demonstrating the complete end-to-end flow from planning science observations to downlinking data. This milestone validates the observatory's ability to respond to commands and function in space.
Hurricane Genevieve's size and strength were revealed through NASA's wide-angle photos, showing a clear eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm's wind field expanded, affecting the Baja California peninsula with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and large ocean swells.
Scientists have discovered that auroral beads are caused by turbulence in the plasma surrounding Earth, which precedes substorms and triggers auroras. The new models provide a broader picture of the near-space environment, helping researchers better understand swirling structures seen in auroras.
A new method was developed to study fast Coronal Mass Ejections and predict the most extreme space weather events. These events can cause strong geomagnetic storms that affect space and Earth-based engineering systems.
Researchers sent perovskite and organic solar cells on a rocket into space, withstanding extreme conditions to produce power from direct sunlight and reflective light. The technology offers a promising solution for future space missions, as it is incredibly light and flexible, producing up to 14 milliwatts per square centimeter.
Dome A's unique atmospheric properties make it an ideal location for optical and infrared astronomy, with measurements showing excellent seeing values of up to 0.13 arcseconds. The site's feasibility and cost-efficiency are enhanced by its lower boundary layer thickness compared to other Antarctic locations.