A research group led by Professor Masato Ikawa of the Institute for Microbial Sciences, Osaka University found that the fertility of mice that stayed in space and returned to space was normal, and that the growth and reproduction of next-generation mice were not affected by staying in space. confirmed.As a result of joint research with the University of Tsukuba and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, it is the first time in the world to elucidate the effect of staying in space on sperm fertility.
According to Osaka University, the research group has developed a small animal breeding device with a centrifugal function, and after breeding 12 male mice at the International Space Station "Kibo" for 35 days, they are returned to the ground to fertilize sperm. I checked.
As a result, it was confirmed that there were no abnormalities in the fertilization ability and reproductive organs of the mice, and that the growth and fertility of the returned mouse children obtained by in vitro fertilization were not affected by the stay in space.
In space, gravity and radiation dose are different from those on the ground, and it is said to be a mental stress, but the effect of staying in space on fertility and reproductive organs was not well understood.
The time has come when everyone can enjoy space travel due to the rapid progress of science and technology and the cost reduction due to the development of private space. It can contribute to the accumulation of knowledge. "
Paper information:[Scientific Reports] Male mice, caged in the International Space Station for 35 days, sire healthy offspring
