NASA sends miniature human brain models into space

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration has sent laboratory-grown miniature human brain models to the International Space Station to investigate the effects of long-duration space travel on human health and cells.

NASA has launched a new study to examine the effects of long-duration space travel on human health. Launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida as part of SpaceX's 35th Commercial Resupply Services mission, the SpaceX Dragon capsule docked with the International Space Station on October 15 at 18:00 Turkey time. Inside the approximately 2,860 kilograms of cargo were three-dimensional miniature human brain models made of laboratory-grown neural tissues called 'miBrains'.

These models, which can mimic certain cellular characteristics of the human brain but do not possess all the functions of a real human brain, will be kept on the station for five weeks. During this process, researchers will analyze the effects of microgravity and space radiation on brain cells. The models will be compared with samples kept on Earth, and their genetic activity and structural differences will be examined. The samples, planned to be brought back to Earth in mid-November, aim to contribute to protecting astronaut health as well as understanding human aging and neurological diseases.