SPACE LABORATORY R&D

Spaceflight presents unique challenges that impact standard laboratory protocols. Our research focuses on developing innovative solutions to overcome these constraints, ensuring effective scientific investigation in the demanding environment of space.

Our key areas of work include:

Astronaut Sample Collection Methodology

We design specialized workflows for collecting and preserving crew biospecimen samples. These methodologies ensure the integrity of samples, allowing for comprehensive analysis once they are returned to Earth.

DNA Sequencing in Space

We are pioneering methods for DNA sequencing that address the unique constraints of spaceflight. This includes developing techniques that require low power, eliminate the need for cold storage and thermomixers, and utilize ethanol-free reagents. Our goal is to make DNA sequencing feasible and reliable in the space environment.

Microgravity Laboratory Equipment

We focus on adapting and reinventing laboratory equipment to function effectively in a microgravity environment. This involves modifying existing equipment for compatibility with the unique fluid dynamics that occur in microgravity.

Through these efforts, we aim to advance the capabilities of space laboratories, paving the way to execute medical testing, pursue scientific investigations, and make groundbreaking discoveries outside of Earth’s gravity-well.

KEY PUBLICATIONS

Overbey, E. G., Ryon, K., Kim, J., Tierney, B., Klotz, R., Ortiz, V., Mullane, S., Schmidt, J. C., MacKay, M., Damle, N., Najjar, D., Matei, I., Patras, L., Medina, J. S. G., Kleinman, A., Hirschberg, J. W., Proszynski, J., Narayanan, S. A., Schmidt, C. M., . . . Mason, C. E. (2023). Collection of Biospecimens from the Inspiration4 Mission Establishes the Standards for the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA). bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.05.02.539108

Overbey, E. G., Das, S., Cope, H., Madrigal, P., Andrusivova, Z., Frapard, S., Klotz, R., Bezdan, D., Gupta, A., Scott, R. T., Park, J., Chirko, D., Galazka, J. M., Costes, S. V., Mason, C. E., Herranz, R., Szewczyk, N. J., Borg, J., & Giacomello, S. (2022). Challenges and considerations for single-cell and spatially resolved transcriptomics sample collection during spaceflight. Cell Reports. Methods, 2(11), 100325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100325