Latest news with #Myogenesis
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Axiom-4: Shubhanshu Shukla starts microgravity research with experiment on skeletal muscle degradation
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has officially begun his scientific mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission . On June 29, 2025, he initiated microgravity research , including a critical experiment on muscle degradation known as Myogenesis. The study, conducted in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG), aims to uncover how skeletal muscles deteriorate in space, a key health concern for astronauts. Shukla's work is part of a broader Indo-international collaboration involving ISRO , NASA , and Axiom Space, marking a significant milestone in India's growing footprint in space-based life sciences research. Studying muscle loss and brain function in space The Myogenesis experiment, proposed by Bengaluru-based Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem), is one of seven ISRO-backed microgravity experiments selected for this mission. Using the ISS's Life Sciences Glovebox, Shukla is exploring how muscles degrade in space, a problem that affects astronauts on long-duration missions. By identifying the biological pathways of muscle deterioration, researchers aim to develop therapies for both astronauts and people with muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth. In parallel, the crew began the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, using ultrasound to observe how microgravity impacts blood circulation in the brain, with implications for treating stroke and hypertension. India's growing role in space-based life sciences by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brother Donates Kidney To Save Sister's Life. One Year Later, He Says, I Wish I Never Did It, When This Happens Articles Vally Undo This mission marks a crucial step for India in developing a microgravity research ecosystem. ISRO has supported seven experiments from Indian R&D labs and academic institutions, all of which Shukla will help carry out during his 14-day stay. Alongside these, NASA and ISRO are collaborating on five joint science investigations and two in-orbit STEM demonstrations. Axiom Space reports that the Axiom-4 mission includes about 60 experiments from 31 countries, making it one of the most diverse scientific missions to date. With Shukla's contributions, India is not only participating but helping lead efforts to understand the human body in space.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
AX-4 crew fully immersed in their mission aboard ISS
New Delhi: The four-member Ax-4 crew were fully immersed in their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Axiom Space said on Sunday. On the fourth day updates, it said Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Commander Peggy Whitson, Indian Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla 'Shux', Mission Specialist Sławosz 'Suave' Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu are now fully immersed in their mission aboard the ISS wrapping up their day on orbit with a schedule full of scientific research and international outreach." The Ax-4 crew has transitioned smoothly from arrival protocols to hands-on research. With microgravity acclimation behind them, the crew is now diving into a diverse portfolio of experiments that could shape the future of medicine, agriculture, and space exploration, it said. Peggy led the charge on the 4th day with work on the Cancer in LEO-3 investigation. Building on previous Axiom Space missions, this study focuses on how cancer cells behave in microgravity. Specifically, it examines tumour organoids and how a new model of triple-negative breast cancer responds to drug treatments in space. "The goal? To validate earlier findings and potentially unlock new therapeutic strategies that could benefit patients on Earth and astronauts on long-duration missions", Axiom Space said. Shux spent time in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) working on the Myogenesis experiment. This study aims to uncover the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in space —a major challenge for astronauts. By identifying these mechanisms, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that could not only protect space travellers but also aid people suffering from muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth. Tibor deployed the Rad Nano Dosimeter, a compact device designed to monitor radiation exposure aboard the space station. Understanding how radiation affects the human body in space is critical for planning future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The data collected could also enhance Earth-based radiation monitoring technologies, benefiting industries from healthcare to environmental science. Tibor began setting up the Vitapric investigation. This plant biology experiment explores how plant growth primers affect the development of microgreens in space. The goal is to enhance the nutritional value of space-grown crops—boosting vitamins, proteins, and minerals--to support sustainable food production for future long-duration missions. In addition, the crew initiated the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, completing the first session after installing the necessary software. Using ultrasound technology, this research explores how blood circulates in the brain under microgravity conditions. The findings could improve our understanding of cardiovascular adaptation in space and inform medical diagnostics and treatments for conditions like stroke and hypertension on Earth. Peggy and Suave are also preparing to join Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr Lucie Low for a special discussion on space radiation. They'll talk about the radiation research being conducted during Ax-4 and how it could help protect astronauts on future deep space missions.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Shux 1st Indian to hold experiment on ISS, kicks off with muscle loss study
Group Captain (Shux) kicked off Saturday a new space first by becoming the first Indian citizen to conduct a scientific experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). With microgravity acclimation behind him, Shux is now diving into a diverse portfolio of experiments that could shape the future. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On Saturday, he kicked off the scientific phase of the mission by starting on a cutting-edge biology study investigating muscle loss in microgravity, Axiom Space confirmed. 'The crew is now fully immersed in their mission aboard the ISS, wrapping up their second day on orbit with a schedule full of scientific research and international outreach. They have transitioned smoothly from arrival protocols to hands-on research,' the firm said. Shux's experiment — Myogenesis — was conducted inside the Life Sciences Glovebox. It will investigate the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in microgravity, one of the most critical challenges facing long-duration spaceflight. The findings could help develop targeted therapies for astronauts on future Moon or Mars missions and for patients on Earth suffering from muscular degenerative diseases. Although Indian-built payloads have flown and delivered data for decades, this is the first time an Indian has directly performed experiments on the ISS. Shux's photograph from the Life Sciences Glovebox is expected to be made public. Shux's work is part of a broad suite of international experiments now under way on Ax-4. The other three members — Commander Peggy Whitson, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski (Suave) and Tibor Kapu — have entered into full-time research mode.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
AX-4 crew fully immersed in their mission aboard ISS
Chennai, June 29 (UNI) The four member Ax-4 crew were fully immersed in their mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Axiom Space said today. On the fourth day updates, it said Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Commander Peggy Whitson, Indian Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla 'Shux,' Mission Specialist Sławosz 'Suave' Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu are now fully immersed in their mission aboard the ISS wrapping up their day on orbit with a schedule full of scientific research and international outreach." The Ax-4 crew has transitioned smoothly from arrival protocols to hands-on research. With microgravity acclimation behind them, the crew is now diving into a diverse portfolio of experiments that could shape the future of medicine, agriculture, and space exploration, it said. Peggy led the charge on the 4th day yesterday with work on the Cancer in LEO-3 investigation. Building on previous Axiom Space missions, this study focuses on how cancer cells behave in microgravity. Specifically, it examines tumor organoids and how a new model of triple-negative breast cancer responds to drug treatments in space. "The goal? To validate earlier findings and potentially unlock new therapeutic strategies that could benefit patients on Earth and astronauts on long-duration missions", Axiom Space said. Shux spent time in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) working on the Myogenesis experiment. This study aims to uncover the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in space —a major challenge for astronauts. By identifying these mechanisms, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that could not only protect space travelers, but also aid people suffering from muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth. Tibor deployed the Rad Nano Dosimeter, a compact device designed to monitor radiation exposure aboard the space station. Understanding how radiation affects the human body in space is critical for planning future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The data collected could also enhance Earth-based radiation monitoring technologies, benefiting industries from healthcare to environmental science. Tibor began setting up the Vitapric investigation. This plant biology experiment explores how plant growth primers affect the development of microgreens in space. The goal is to enhance the nutritional value of space-grown crops—boosting vitamins, proteins, and minerals--to support sustainable food production for future long-duration missions. In addition, the crew initiated the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, completing the first session after installing the necessary software. Using ultrasound technology, this research explores how blood circulates in the brain under microgravity conditions. The findings could improve our understanding of cardiovascular adaptation in space and inform medical diagnostics and treatments for conditions like stroke and hypertension on Earth. Shux also took part in a historic outreach event by speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conversation highlighted the growing global collaboration in space exploration and inspired audiences back on Earth. Peggy and Suave are also preparing to join Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr. Lucie Low for a special discussion on space radiation. They'll talk about the radiation research being conducted during Ax-4 and how it could help protect astronauts on future deep space missions. UNI GV 1710
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Axiom-4 mission: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla commences research activities aboard ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has commenced research activities at the orbiting laboratory According to Axiom Space the crew members are fully immersed in their mission aboard the ISS having transitioned smoothly from arrival protocols to hands-on research. Axiom Space said that Shux (Group Captain Shukla mission call sign) spent time in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) working on the Myogenesis experiment. 'This study aims to uncover the biological pathways behind skeletal muscle degradation in space—a major challenge for astronauts. By identifying these mechanisms, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that could not only protect space travelers but also aid people suffering from muscle-degenerative diseases on Earth,' Axion Space said. ISRO has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian (PIs) from various national R&D laboratories and academic institutions which Group Captain Shukla would be conducting during his 14-day stay at the ISS. Myogenesis is one of the them which has been proposed by the Bengaluru based Institute of Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem). ISRO has said the experience gained through this effort in implementation of the seven experiments is expected to nurture a microgravity research ecosystem in India resulting in the induction of advanced microgravity experiments in various disciplines in the Indian space programme. In addition to the seven experiments ISRO and NASA will also be participating in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) demonstrations. Axiom said that the crew initiated the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, completing the first session after installing the necessary software. 'Using ultrasound technology, this research explores how blood circulates in the brain under microgravity conditions. The findings could improve our understanding of cardiovascular adaptation in space and inform medical diagnostics and treatments for conditions like stroke and hypertension on Earth,' it said. The Axiom-4 mission research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe.
