NeurAstra
S02 → Altanube Pando
S06 → Nimbus.Archives
S07 → N400
S08 → AofAP
S01 → Blue Dot/White Tangerine
From the Microscope to the Telescope
Built as a dual entity, Blue Dot/White Tangerine (BD/WT) emphasises the importance of putting things in perspective and conducting research at different scales. From the microscope to the telescope, from our pale blue dot* to the white moon; this system challenges us to wonder, question, hypothesise, and dig into the not-always-linear steps of research processes in order to highlight the unknown and the not-so-well-understood.
Most BD/WT research projects incarnate this desire to understand the diverse, sometimes surprising, mechanisms of human physiological and psychological adaptation in remote and extreme environments. Extreme environments on Earth usually refer to locations or conditions that are hostile, challenging, or unusual in terms of their physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. From this viewpoint, the space environment appears to be a unique laboratory where the boundaries of the human capacity to adapt (and maybe evolve?) are significantly pushed. Its distinctive characteristics, such as radiation and microgravity, in addition to the fact that space embodies isolation and confinement as its paroxysm, offer exciting perspectives to study human systems. And hopefully, it will help us pave the way for safe, successful, and sustainable journeys among the stars.
*Carl Sagan — Pale Blue Dot
AXIS
I. Daniel Berreto — Painting with the light of the moon
II. Anna Chekourova — The Sun with the flight (March, 19 2023)
III. NASA — The moon by the Apollo 15 crew
IV. CZI Neuroscience (Angel Barco) — Labeling of neuronal nuclei in the adult mouse hippocampus
V. NASA / JPL-Caltech / GSSR / NSF / GBO — (Asteroid 163899) 2003 SD220
VI. Aeronautical Chart Information Center — Lunar Chart Series: LAC-25 Cassini
VII. Allen Institute — A mysterious brain region: the claustrum
VIII. Instituto Cajal / Consejo Nacional de Investigación — Santiago Ramón y Cajal neurons’ drawing
II. Anna Chekourova — The Sun with the flight (March, 19 2023)
III. NASA — The moon by the Apollo 15 crew
IV. CZI Neuroscience (Angel Barco) — Labeling of neuronal nuclei in the adult mouse hippocampus
V. NASA / JPL-Caltech / GSSR / NSF / GBO — (Asteroid 163899) 2003 SD220
VI. Aeronautical Chart Information Center — Lunar Chart Series: LAC-25 Cassini
VII. Allen Institute — A mysterious brain region: the claustrum
VIII. Instituto Cajal / Consejo Nacional de Investigación — Santiago Ramón y Cajal neurons’ drawing
→ Areas of Research
- Astrobiology (A) projects seek to answer the fundamental question of whether Life exists beyond Earth. Research opportunities in this field examine extreme environments on Earth to identify potential habitats for extraterrestrial life and develop instruments for detecting biomarkers on other celestial bodies.
- Bioastronautics (B) projects include a wide range of studies related to the biological aspects of human spaceflight. It comprises research into life support systems, nutrition, and the development of technologies for growing food and recycling resources in space environments, ensuring the sustainability of future missions.
- Human Factors (HF) (or Ergonomics) projects investigate how humans interact with the complex technologies and environments of space exploration. This encompasses the design of spacecraft, spacesuits, and equipment to optimise usability and safety. Additionally, it explores the psychological aspects of isolation, confinement, and stress management.
- Space Medicine (SM) (or Space Physiology) projects focus on understanding the physiological and psychological challenges faced by astronauts and cosmonauts in the extreme conditions of space. This research delves into issues such as the impact of microgravity and radiation exposure on the human body, and the development of countermeasures to mitigate health risks during long-duration space missions.