six-month mission in space is equivalent to about 20 years of aging on the ground . “ We ’ ve also seen some vision problems in astronauts post-flight , including changes in the retinal layer . We ’ re not sure if it ’ s caused by the increase in pressure due to the fluid shift that we have in space , or what exactly is going on , but we ’ re looking more into that ,” says Meir .
From the frozen Antarctic to the dark vacuum of space , Meir has gone to extremes in the name of science to contribute to a greater understanding of our world , our bodies and beyond . Yet even as she orbits Earth , it ’ s the constant pull of our blue planet below that reminds her of those back home , those who supported her throughout her journey , and who continue to watch with pride and admiration . “ I wouldn ’ t be here at all if it weren ’ t for all the people along the way who helped me get to where I am ,” she says . “ I ’ ll never forget that , and it ’ s why I ’ m so excited to share my experience with everyone .”
Photo : European Space Agency - V . Crobu
ORBITING ORGANOIDS
UC San Diego doesn ’ t just send astronauts to space — this past July , researchers sent up 100 “ mini-brains ” for research studies . This of course begs the questions : What ’ s a mini-brain ? and Why are they in space ?
SCIENTIFICALLY KNOWN as brain organoids , " mini-brains " are 3-D cellular models that allow scientists to study biological functions in greater detail . Researchers aboard the ISS documented how these early masses of cells organized into the beginnings of a functional brain .
“ This is the first in a series of space flights to help us understand the intricacies of brain development , both in weightlessness and on Earth ,” says School of Medicine professor and study leader Allyson Muotri . Muotri and researchers on the ground were able to observe the formation of the neural tube , including cell migration , interaction , division and death , all in real time . The organoids returned to Earth in mid-September , just before astronaut Jessica Meir , PhD ’ 09 , rocketed to the ISS herself .
“ These flights will help us create brain organoid models that will accelerate understanding of a range of neurological diseases ,” says Muotri . Rather than lengthy and expensive clinical trials , use of these models could help predetermine the efficacy of novel treatments for neurological disorders , including autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer ’ s disease .
Jessica Meir ’ s mission aboard the ISS will continue through spring 2020 . Follow @ astro _ jessica on social media and learn more at tritonmag . com / meir
MIND BOGGLING : Dr . Allyson Muotri holds a container of brain organoids — models that will help accelerate the understanding of neurological diseases .
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