Professor Atsushi Higashiya of the Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University and Akira Higashibata, chief developer of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and others conducted a space experiment at the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station to detect microscopic nematodes. When I grew it under gravity, I discovered that my muscles became thin.Nematodes are one of the model organisms raised in space and are very small and light creatures.The changes in the body of this nematode were analyzed by analysis of genes and proteins.

 Kibo has an experimental area where the same cells are grown by microgravity and an experimental area where the same cells are artificially applied by gravity using a centrifuge.In this experiment, we compared these two wards at the same time.This is the first time we have compared the presence or absence of gravity in the same environment at the same time.
 As a result of these two experiments, it was found that the frequency of exercise was extremely reduced, and that energy metabolism and the skeleton within individual cells were also reduced.Also, the two different space experiments were highly reproducible.
From this experiment, it is possible that even in organisms such as nematodes, gravity affects each individual cell, and the organism changes to adapt to the micro-gravity environment.In addition, astronauts who stay on the ISS for a long time are training for muscle maintenance, but at the individual cellular level such as internal organs and organs that are not directly loaded, they adapt to microgravity. It is suggested that it may be affected by various changes.

 Based on the results of this experiment, we are currently conducting space experiments to investigate whether the physiological effects of the space environment will continue to affect future generations.

Tohoku University

Create excellent research results that will be the source of innovation, and develop talented human resources who will lead the next generation

Tohoku University has a rich culture and humanity based on the tradition of "research first principle" since its opening, the idea of ​​"opening the door" and the spirit of "respect for practical science", and is a phenomenon of human beings, society and nature. In response to this, human resources with the ability to carry out intellectual exploration with a "scientific mind", demonstrating their expertise in various fields from an international perspective and leading […]

University Journal Online Editorial Department

This is the online editorial department of the university journal.
Articles are written by editorial staff who have a high level of knowledge and interest in universities and education.