S01 → Blue Dot/White Tangerine
From the Microscope to the Telescope
→ Experiments
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Joint Resilience in Orbit: The Synovial Capsule Beyond Earth
project designed and presented at the ISU/Metavisionaries 2024 Workshop with ICE Cubes and The Exploration Company
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The experiment "Joint Resilience in Orbit: The Synovial Capsule Beyond Earth" is designed to be sent aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This investigation aims to explore the effects of microgravity on the synovial joints, which are critical for movement and flexibility in the human body. The synovial capsule, a key component of these joints, will be the primary focus of the study.
In the unique environment of the ISS, the experiment will assess changes in the synovial fluid, cartilage, and overall joint integrity. The absence of gravity is hypothesised to have significant impacts on these elements, potentially leading to insights into how prolonged space travel could affect astronauts/cosmonauts' joint health. By comparing data collected in orbit to baseline measurements taken on Earth, we aim to identify specific alterations in joint physiology. The findings could also have broader applications, potentially informing medical treatments and preventive measures for joint-related conditions on Earth.
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Starry Eyes: Visual Cortex Excitability in Altered Gravity Conditions
project designed and presented at the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) 2023 Workshop with Sara Terracciano, Niamh Terranova, Marcin Badowski, and Achilleas Peolidis , supervised by Dr Elisa Ferre
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“Starry Eyes: Visual Cortex Excitability in Altered Gravity Conditions” is an experiment that explores the effects of altered gravity on the human visual cortex. By utilising transcranial magnetic stimulation measurements during parabolic flight (Airbus A-300 ‘Zero-g’), this research aims to understand how the brain’s visual processing centre responds to the brief and alternated periods of microgravity and hypergravity. This project seeks to enhance our knowledge of neural plasticity in extreme environments, offering insights into the brain’s remarkable adaptability when confronted with the challenges of space travel.
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H.A.P.M.O.S. — Stories of Human Adaptation
Psychological and Physiological Alterations in ICE Environments
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In an era where space exploration is advancing at an unprecedented pace, space analogue missions play a pivotal role in preparing space travellers for the rigours of outer space. Analogue missions simulate space conditions on Earth in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) environments, allowing astronauts/cosmonauts to train, test equipment, and conduct scientific experiments in situations as similar as possible to those encountered in space.
The H.A.P.M.O.S. initiative aims to understand the psychological and physiological factors influencing health and well-being through longitudinal qualitative studies (e.g., diary studies and interviews) and precise physiological measurements (e.g., stress levels and sleep patterns).
A second step of the project will lead to the creation of an open database of standards and protocols used in space analogue missions to improve training processes and offer standardised protocols to conduct medical experiments.