Project description:In this study, we designed a space simulation study, named “4 Subjects 180-Day Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Integration Experiment”, which took place in Shenzhen, China, from June to December 2016. In this experiment, four subjects (3 males and 1 female) lived for 180 days in an enclosed simulated cabin, and multiple-sampling-point DNA methylation data was collected to conduct the epigenic analysis. Peripheral whole blood cells were extracted from all 4 subjects on the 12 sampling points (Pre45, Pre15, R2, R30, R60, R75, R90, R105, R120, R150, R175 and Post30 mission day during the experiment).
Project description:Effect of Maternal Separation (MatSep) on renal vasculature isolated from male neonates (Postnatal day 10) and adult (Postnatal day 180)
Project description:Confinement experiments are essential to prepare long-term space exploration. The 180-day Chinese CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support System) study is unique in its design, including a closed-loop system and mid-mission simulation of Mars-like day-night cycle of 24 h 40 min for 36 days (days 72-108). Our aim was to study physiological and psychological consequences of this confinement in four healthy volunteers (one female). CELSS platform consisted of six interconnected modules including four greenhouses. Life support systems were controlled automatically. Body composition, fluid compartments, metabolic state, heart, large vessels, endothelial function, and muscle tone were studied using biological, functional, and/or morphological measurements. Behavioral activities were studied by ethological monitoring; psychological state was assessed by questionnaires. Body weight decreased by ∼2 kg mostly due to lean mass loss. Plasma volume and volume-regulating hormones were mostly stable. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) increased by 10-15%. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation decreased. Masseter tone increased by 6-14% suggesting stress, whereas paravertebral muscle tone diminished by 10 ± 6%. Behavioral flow reflecting global activity decreased 1.5- to 2-fold after the first month. Psychological questionnaires revealed decrease in hostility and negative emotions but increase in emotional adaptation suggesting boredom and monotony. One subject was clearly different with lower fitness, higher levels of stress and anxiety, and somatic signs as back pain, peak in masseter tone, increased blood cortisol and C-reactive protein. Comparison of CELSS experiment with Mars500 confinement program suggests the need for countermeasures to prevent increased IMT and endothelial deconditioning. Daily activity in greenhouse could act as countermeasure against psycho-physiological deconditioning.
Project description:Time-course in rice plants of the day length shift experiment in a growth chamber. Rice plants (cv. Norin 8) were collected at every 2h from dusk to noon on the day 0, 1, and 5 from the day length shift (a long-day conditon to a short-day condition).