Shubhanshu Shukla leads experiment to decode muscle loss in space
Shukla last week scripted history by becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), aboard the Axiom Space's mission -4
He along with three others from the US, Poland, and Hungary and seven members of the Expedition 73 led the muscle and brain research.
'Shukla worked in Kibo's Life Science Glovebox checking muscle stem cell cultures to learn how to maintain muscle health in space,' NASA said in a blog post.
Studying muscle degradation in microgravity -- a key issue that has long challenged space medicine -- could unlock new therapeutic strategies.
'What happens on going to space is that because gravity is absent, the load goes away and hence muscle loss occurs. So, my experiment is looking at whether we can stop or delay this muscle loss by giving some supplement,' Shukla said, during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the orbital lab.
'It has a direct implication on Earth too that these supplements can be used on people who suffer muscle loss due to old age. So, I think it can definitely be used there,' the IAF Group Caption added.
Axiom Space in its mission statement noted that 'the findings can prevent muscle atrophy in astronauts during long space missions'.
On Earth, it can lead to 'treatments for muscle-related diseases and conditions related to aging or prolonged immobility,' the private American said.
Meanwhile, Shukla filmed a video targeted for young Indian students discussing how the digestion system adapts to space. He also filmed the crew activities for the Astronaut Mental Health study, NASA said.
During the 14-day stay at the ISS, the Ax-4 crew will conduct around 60 scientific studies and commercial activities in microgravity representing 31 countries, including the US, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.
India, through ISRO, has contributed seven carefully selected studies to the mission.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Major reports about how climate change affects U.S. removed from websites
Legally mandated U.S. national climate assessments seem to have disappeared from the federal websites built to display them, making it harder for State and local governments and the public to learn what to expect in their backyards from a warming world. Scientists said the peer-reviewed authoritative reports save money and lives. Websites for the national assessments and the U.S. Global Change Research Programme were down Monday and Tuesday with no links, notes or referrals elsewhere. The White House, which was responsible for the assessments, said the information will be housed within NASA to comply with the law, but gave no further details. Searches for the assessments on NASA websites did not turn them up. NASA did not respond to requests for information. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which coordinated the information in the assessments, did not respond to repeated inquiries. "It's critical for decision makers across the country to know what the science in the National Climate Assessment is. That is the most reliable and well-reviewed source of information about climate that exists for the United States," said University of Arizona climate scientist Kathy Jacobs, who coordinated the 2014 version of the report. 'It's a sad day for the United States if it is true that the National Climate Assessment is no longer available," Jacobs said. "This is evidence of serious tampering with the facts and with people's access to information, and it actually may increase the risk of people being harmed by climate-related impacts.' Harvard climate scientist John Holdren, who was President Obama's science advisor and whose office directed the assessments, said after the 2014 edition he visited governors, mayors and other local officials who told him how useful the 841-page report was. It helped them decide whether to raise roads, build seawalls and even move hospital generators from basements to roofs, he said. 'This is a government resource paid for by the taxpayer to provide the information that really is the primary source of information for any city, state or federal agency who's trying to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate,' said Texas Tech climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, who has been a volunteer author for several editions of the report. Copies of past reports are still squirreled away in NOAA's library. NASA's open science data repository includes dead links to the assessment site. The most recent report, issued in 2023, included an interactive atlas that zoomed down to the county level. It found that climate change is affecting people's security, health and livelihoods in every corner of the country in different ways, with minority and Native American communities often disproportionately at risk. The 1990 Global Change Research Act requires a national climate assessment every four years and directs the president to establish an interagency United States Global Change Research Programme. In the spring, the Trump administration told the volunteer authors of the next climate assessment that their services weren't needed and ended the contract with the private firm that helps coordinate the website and report. Additionally, NOAA's main website was recently forwarded to a different NOAA website. Social media and blogs at NOAA and NASA about climate impacts for the general public were cut or eliminated. 'It's part of a horrifying big picture,' Holdren said. 'It's just an appalling whole demolition of science infrastructure.' The national assessments are more useful than international climate reports put out by the United Nations every seven or so years because they are more localised and more detailed, Hayhoe and Jacobs said. The national reports are not only peer reviewed by other scientists, but examined for accuracy by the National Academy of Sciences, federal agencies, the staff and the public. Hiding the reports would be censoring science, Jacobs said. And it's dangerous for the country, Hayhoe said, comparing it to steering a car on a curving road by only looking through the rear view mirror: "And now, more than ever, we need to be looking ahead to do everything it takes to make it around that curve safely. It's like our windshield's being painted over.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Renowned psychologist & magician Pattabhiram passes away at 75
Visakhapatnam: Renowned magician, psychologist, and personality development expert Dr BV Pattabhiram passed away at the age of 75 on Monday night in Hyderabad following a sudden illness. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He is survived by his wife, Jaya, also a personality development trainer, and their son Prashanth, who works in the United States. Originally from East Godavari district, Pattabhiram was one of 15 siblings. Despite facing physical challenges in childhood, he rose to become a pioneering figure in Indian magic and self-improvement. He began learning magic during his college days in Kakinada and gained popularity in the 1970s with innovative acts like blindfolded scooter rides through Hyderabad's traffic. He used magic not just for entertainment but as a tool for education and social reform — dispelling superstitions, popularising hypnotism as therapy, and raising awareness on public issues. Encouraged by former chief minister NT Rama Rao, he integrated magic into government campaigns such as alcohol prohibition. He also used it to teach scientific concepts to differently-abled children and performed to support flood victims, reflecting his humanitarian spirit. Pattabhiram founded the Bharat Magic Circle and was instrumental in elevating the status of magic in India. He gained national recognition through All India Radio, Doordarshan, films, and television serials, and was admired by several film personalities. Beyond magic, he made lasting contributions to literacy and personality development, editing the magazine Aksharajyoti and authoring over 100 books on self-improvement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now An academic achiever, he held an MA in psychology and two PhDs, including a notable study on yoga and hypnotism. He was known for his compassionate counseling, especially for students in tribal areas, and helped thousands of families through therapy. His teachings emphasized the "Five Ds": Duty, Devotion, Dedication, Determination, and Decision-making. Dr. Pattabhiram was honored with numerous awards, including two Kala Ratna awards, and left behind a legacy of inspiration, service, and transformation.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Gujarat sees sharp rise in fat consumption: NSS Report
Ahmedabad: Gujarat has recorded one of the highest increases in daily fat intake in urban areas over the past 12 years, according to the latest National Sample Survey (NSS) report titled 'Nutritional Intake in India 2023–24'. The report states that urban residents in Gujarat consumed 89.3g of fat per person per day in 2023–24, up from 68.5g in 2009–10, an increase of 20.8g. This is among the highest across major Indian states, with only Sikkim (112.1g), Chandigarh (101.1g), and Ladakh (91.8g) surpassing Gujarat. Nationally, the average rise in fat consumption in urban areas during this period was 16.8g. In contrast, the increase in protein intake was far more modest. The average daily protein consumption in urban Gujarat rose from 56.4g in 2009–10 to 59.4g in 2023–24, an increase of just 3g. This is slightly lower than the national average increase of 4.6g over the same period. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad On the calorie front, Gujarat presented a mixed picture. In rural areas, the average daily calorie intake stood at 2,105 kilo calories (Kcal), below the national rural average of 2,212 Kcal. However, in urban areas, the state's average was 2,310 Kcal, higher than the national urban average of 2,240 Kcal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The NSS report also highlighted the primary sources of protein in Gujarat's diet. Cereals remain the largest contributor, providing 47.3% of protein in rural areas and 40.4% in urban areas. This is followed by milk and milk products (15% rural, 16.3% urban), and pulses (10.6% rural, 11.2% urban). Animal-based proteins—fish, meat, and eggs—made up just 3.6% of protein intake in both segments, with the remainder coming from other sources. Speaking on the findings, Shruti Bhardwaj, chief clinical nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, said that while the rise in calorie and protein intake is encouraging, there's scope for improvement. "Fat, protein, and carbohydrates are all essential macronutrients. The key is maintaining the right balance for optimal body function," she said. Bhardwaj noted that individual nutritional needs vary depending on age, gender, occupation, and lifestyle. "For instance, a sedentary IT professional may require only 1,600 Kcal daily, not the 2,000 Kcal often recommended. Similarly, while 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight has been the norm, newer studies suggest that 0.8 grams per kg may suffice for most adults," she added. She also emphasized the importance of dietary innovation to meet nutritional needs. "Simple changes like adding protein-rich ingredients to chapati flour can help meet daily requirements without relying on supplements," she said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
