Squid on the Fly

 

Bobtail Squid   (Photo by Hans Hillewaert)

When humans spend some time in microgravity, their immune systems weaken.  This is because “their body’s relationship with microbes changes.”

In order to discover exactly what goes wrong, scientists are sending bobtail squid to the International Space Station.  These tiny marine animals depend upon bacteria for bioluminescence. 

A detailed study of how microgravity affects their simpler systems might help researchers in the quest to bolster astronaut immunity.  It’s tough enough to visit other worlds without having to endure illness.

Resources

https://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/nasa-sends-squid-hawaii-space-research-78418011

Copyright July 9, 2021 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved