Menu
LIFE IN SPACE: AN UNEXPECTED THOUGHTFUL MODEL
Gravity has constantly influenced both physical and biological phenomena throughout Earth’s history. The gravitational field has played a major role in shaping evolution when life moved from water to land. However, gravity may influence in a more deep and subtle fashion the way the cells behave and build themselves. Cells may indeed ‘sense’ changes in the microgravity field through:
It is worth noting that the latter two processes are dramatically affected by non-equilibrium dynamics. Non-linear dynamical processes far from equilibrium involve an appropriate combination of reaction and diffusion, and the pattern arising from those interactions are tightly influenced by even minimal changes in reactant concentrations or modification in the strength of the morphogenetic field. Processes of this kind are called dissipative structures, given that a consumption of energy is required to drive and maintain the system far from equilibrium. That prerequisite is needed in order to allow the system to promptly change its configuration, according to the system’s needs. In turn, the dissipative energy provides the thermodynamic driving force for the self-organization processes. Accordingly to some preliminary results, gravity seems to influence non-equilibrium processes (like the cytoskeleton reorganization), acting as an ‘inescapable’ constraint that obliges living beings to adopt only a few configurations among many others. By ‘removing’ the gravitational field, living structures are free to recover more degrees of freedom, thus acquiring new phenotypes and new functions/properties.
These data raise several crucial questions. Some of these entail fundamentals of theoretical biology, as they question the gene-centric paradigm, according to which biological behavior can be explained by solely genetic mechanisms. Indeed, influence of physical cues in biology (and, in particular, on gene expression) is still now largely overlooked. This is why it has been argued that the ultimate reason for human space exploration is precisely to enable us to discover ourselves. Undoubtedly, the microgravity space-field presents an unlimited horizon for investigation and discovery. Controlled studies conducted in microgravity can advance our knowledge, providing amazing insights into the biological mechanism underlying physiology as well as many relevant diseases, like cancer. Thereby, space-based investigations may serve as a novel paradigm for innovation in basic and applied science.
Phase Transitions Processes
Technology Transfer Table
The main objective of the initiative is to pool the capabilities and potential of the partners, starting an activity capable of self-sustaining, generating scientific and economic results in the context of the New Space Economy.
The laboratory’s activities will be enhanced through the creation of a Technology Transfer Table, involving stakeholders and research institutions interested in the terrestrial applications of the results achieved in space.
A first operational opportunity will focus on Food for Space, with a roundtable coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, involving the Space Biomed Laboratory, ASI, and agri-food companies.
The goal is to valorize patents and industrial applications, potentially leading to spin-offs and startups.
The Laboratory plans to launch an educational program in collaboration with La Sapienza University, TAS-Italia, and others, including the Italian Space Agency and the Centre for AeroSpace Research (CRAS). This initiative includes:
To support these efforts, a dedicated website and communication strategies will be established.
Once operational, the collaboration will market medical and biological test services for ground and orbital experiments, targeting industries, space agencies, and pharmaceutical companies. A partner may be designated as a Service Provider to represent the team and expand partnerships with other entities.
Ongoing programs include:
SAPIENZA UNIVERSITY
The Sapienza team has acquired – since 2005 – a role of national pre-eminence for studies conducted in microgravity.
The laboratory owns a Random Positioning Machine – through which it carries out experiments in microgravity – and has participated/is participating in space missions on the International Space Station. The focus is to investigate the functional behavior, morphological characterization, and gene/protein expression during microgravity. A patent, related to the discovery of antibiotics produced in microgravity, is currently ongoing.
The TASI team that will support the Laboratory has great systems and specialist know-how in the field of human space missions and is interested in continuing its R&D activity in support of the development of its products
(e.g. SPACE HOME, Space Rider), in the field of inhabited modules, and participation in the ASI/ESA/NASA and Commercial programs (e.g. AXIOM). Furthermore, there is great interest in supporting technologies for long-duration missions, requiring the implementation of new engineering concepts related to life science, such as transfer pods and life support control systems that are extremely more complicated and complex than current systems.
The main themes related to the activities planned for the Laboratory are:
Prof. Mariano Bizzarri, Ph.D, MD, from the Experimental Medicine Department of the Sapienza University, heads the
Laboratory.
Members of the Board: Antonio Angeloni, Cinzia Marchese (Dept. of Experimental Medicine), Giorgio Boscheri, Ivano Musso (Thales Alenia Space).
Consulting committee: Marco Tafani, Francesco Fedele, Paolo Gaudenzi, David Della Morte, Agostino Tafuri, Franco Marinozzi, Fabiano Bini, Andrea Fuso, Alessandro Giuliani, Angela Catizone, Giulia Ricci.
Senior and Junior scientists: Noemi Monti, Valeria Fedeli, Alessandro Querqui, Aurora Piombarolo, Guglielmo Lentini.
Simulated Weightlessness
The laboratory makes use of numerous equipment and instruments located in the main center in via Scarpa 16 (building RM039), also distributed in other structures within the University. The main facilities include:
