As astronauts continue to break records for time spent in space and the manned mission to Mars is on the table, a team of scientists from Tsinghua University (China) has launched a pioneering study to determine whether humans they can reproduce in space.
The experts will conduct an experiment to induce the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into germ cells in China’s first cargo spacecraft, Tianzhou-1. That is, on April 20, 2017, the rocket took off with Tianzhou 1 on board, the first Chinese space freighter that, with 12.91 tons, represents the heaviest spacecraft put into orbit by China in all its history.
The experiment aims to study the effects of the space environment on human reproduction, starting with the study of microgravity in human stem cells and germ cells. This unprecedented experiment could provide a theoretical basis and technical support to solve possible human reproduction problems caused by the space environment.
“It is an important experiment because it is the first step towards direct understanding of human reproduction during space exploration,” says Kehkooi Kee, project leader.
What kinds of difficulties might humans face when having children?
Experts say that in the known space environment, microgravity, radiation, and magnetic fields could have a major impact on human reproduction. Microgravity is the most difficult challenge or obstacle . At the cellular level, microgravity can affect cell division.
“If we want to directly study human reproductive biology in space, we need to build an in vitro platform to study germ cells, so we chose to use human embryonic stem cells to differentiate them into germ cells ,” says Kee.
Scientists on Earth will remotely control the research team to change the cell culture medium to induce human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into germ cells. The images of the cells under the microscope will be transmitted to Earth. We will have results soon.
