Thousands of worms have been sent into space as part of a mission to tackle muscle wasting. Microscopic nematodes ( Caenorhabditis elegans ) will be part of new experiments that will aim to identify the precise molecules that cause the problems of muscular dystrophy , a group of inherited genetic conditions that cause muscles to gradually weaken, and also test new therapies to prevent loss. of muscle mass in zero gravity.
Studying the changes in muscles that occur with spaceflight could lead to more effective therapies and new treatments for muscle loss associated with age and muscular dystrophies.
Previous research revealed that the microscopic one-millimeter-long worm, C. elegans, and humans undergo similar molecular changes in space that affect muscle and metabolism.
“Since the dawn of the space age, there has been concern that space travel could be detrimental to astronauts. We are very excited that this latest mission will allow us to build on the work we have already done to not only further explore the causes of muscle wasting with spaceflight, but also to see how to prevent it, ”explains Professor Bethan Philips. Associate of Clinical, Metabolic and Molecular Physiology at the University of Nottingham School of Medicine who is leading the study together with the University of Exeter, UK.
The laboratory
The International Space Station (ISS) is a more than $ 100 billion science and engineering laboratory that orbits 400 km above Earth . There have been permanently rotating crews of astronauts and cosmonauts since November 2000. Their research has examined human health, space medicine, life sciences, physical sciences, astronomy, and meteorology.
