Microbial and synthetic biology solutions for waste management and biomanufacturing off Earth.

A novel artificial air life support system based on liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen in underground refuge chamber

This study aimed to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and to establish a prognostic prediction model incorporating MetS. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 303 ACLF patients admitted to a tertiary hospital between May 2023 and May 2025. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their MetS status (MetS group vs. non-MetS group). The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balance baseline characteristics. The association was assessed using multivariable Cox regression and logistic regression analyses after adjusting for confounders. Based on the results of the multivariable analysis, a nomogram model for predicting 90-day mortality was constructed. The model's discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility were evaluated in both the training and testing sets using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). After PSM, 206 patients (103 in the MetS group and 103 in the non-MetS group) were included in the final analysis. The 90-day mortality rate was significantly higher in the MetS group than in the non-MetS group (49.51% vs. 27.18%, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that MetS, age, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), artificial liver support system (ALSS), transfusion times (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were independent predictors of 90-day death risk in patients with ACLF. The nomogram prediction model constructed based on these variables demonstrated excellent discriminative ability in both the training set (area under the curve, AUC = 0.877) and the testing set (AUC = 0.820). The calibration curve showed a high consistency between the predicted probabilities and the actual observations. Decision curve analysis confirmed the model's favorable net clinical benefit. MetS is an independent predictor of poor short-term prognosis in patients with ACLF, significantly increasing the risk of mortality. This study established a nomogram prediction model that integrates MetS, which can accurately assess patients' short-term mortality risk and may assist clinicians in early risk stratification.

NASA cleanrooms, which are critical for assembling space mission components, are maintained under stringent decontamination protocols to minimize biological contamination. These environments are characterized by nutrient-poor and oligotrophic conditions, leading to low microbial loads. Despite extensive cleaning, oligotrophs capable of surviving in such conditions continue to persist, often remaining undetected due to their low abundance, resistance to environmental stresses, and difficulties in biomolecule extraction. Even with shotgun metagenome sequencing technologies, these microbes may go undetected or be underrepresented due to their robust cell walls and the absence of reference genomes in publicly available databases. Over a 6-month study of Mars 2020 mission cleanrooms, 182 bacterial strains belonging to 19 families were identified using a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach. Among these, 14 novel Gram-positive species were discovered, including eight spore formers. Though the novel species comprised only 0.001% of the sequencing data, their successful cultivation allowed for functional characterization. Through WGS data mining, genomic traits associated with resilience in extreme conditions were revealed. These species were found to be involved in nitrogen cycling, carbohydrate metabolism, and radiation resistance, traits essential for survival in extreme environments. Furthermore, 12 biosynthetic gene clusters were identified, including those linked to ectoine and [Formula: see text]-poly-L-lysine production, suggesting potential biotechnological applications. These findings highlight the hidden microbial diversity within cleanrooms and emphasize the necessity of advanced detection strategies. A better understanding of these microbes will provide insights into extremophiles with applications in biotechnology, medical research, and life support systems for future space exploration missions.IMPORTANCEDespite strict decontamination protocols, NASA cleanrooms harbor low-biomass microbial communities adapted to nutrient-poor environments. These oligotrophic microbes often go undetected in shotgun metagenomics methods due to their low abundance, resistance to lysis, and lack of reference genomes. Standard shotgun metagenome sequencing methods fail to retrieve them, as dominant microbial DNA overshadows rare species. Over 6 months of monitoring Mars 2020 mission cleanrooms, 182 bacterial strains from 19 families were identified, including 14 novel Gram-positive species, 8 of which were spore formers. Though present at 0.001% abundance in sequencing data, we successfully cultured them, enabling functional characterization. These microbes exhibited roles in nitrogen cycling, carbohydrate metabolism, and radiation resistance, with 12 biosynthetic gene clusters linked to ectoine and [Formula: see text]-poly-L-lysine production. These findings highlight the previously underestimated microbial diversity in cleanrooms and emphasize the need for advanced detection strategies to explore extremophiles with applications in biotechnology and space exploration.

As space exploration advances, identifying crops that can withstand extraterrestrial conditions is crucial for establishing sustainable life-support systems. Here, we examined the physiological response of two Chenopodium quinoa materials, Quinoa Real and Amarilla de Maranganí, to simulated Martian ultraviolet (UV) radiation at wavelengths of 180 nm, 250 nm, and 395 nm, compared to a control treatment simulating Earth-like UV (410 nm). Using time-to-event analysis, we found that shorter UV wavelengths (180 nm and 250 nm) significantly accelerated germination, with median germination times nearly three times faster than the control. The Kaplan–Meier and Cox Proportional Hazards models revealed a wavelength-dependent stimulation of germination, with the Amarilla de Maranganí variety consistently showing a better performance. Chlorophyll content index measurements further demonstrated that UV exposure, particularly at 180 nm, enhanced chlorophyll accumulation during early seedling development, suggesting an adaptive photoprotective response. These findings underscore quinoa’s resilience in germination and early chlorophyll production under UV-induced stress and support its potential as a candidate crop for Martian agriculture. This work contributes to astrobiological efforts aimed at designing robust agricultural systems capable of supporting long-duration human missions beyond Earth.

Resuscitation 2025 congress: launch of the resuscitation guidelines, scientific advances, education, equity, and innovation across the chain of survival.

Precise regulation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations in plant growth chambers is critical for ensuring reproducible and physiologically relevant research outcomes. CO 2 assimilation varies significantly with plant genotype, growth conditions, crop density, and phenological stage. However, estimation and control approaches heavily dependent on mechanistic crop models are at odds with the objectives of plant characterization units (PCU), where model availability for specific crops may be lacking. Moreover, in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs), such methods may struggle with multiple crops, intercropping, staggered harvesting and unknown growth stages. We propose a real-time, crop-agnostic method to estimate photosynthetic and respiration rates from CO 2 concentration data, without relying on crop-specific mechanistic assumptions. This improves robustness against the time-varying conditions typical of BLSSs, and supports operation with crops lacking validated physiological models. The resulting rate estimates support diagnostic algorithms, supervisory logic and CO 2 concentration controllers, and provide the modeling foundation for our second contribution: a hybrid Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy for CO 2 regulation. The controller employs a mixed-integer formulation to handle the disjoint operating ranges of injection valves and incorporates explicit compensation for CO 2 measurement delays, ensuring accurate mass balances under real operating conditions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach through in vivo experiments in a PCU realized under the ESA-MELiSSA framework. • Real-time observer for estimating photosynthesis and respiration rates. • Hybrid Model Predictive Control to ensure highly precise CO 2 regulation. • Robustness to intercropping, staggered harvesting and unknown growth stages. • Control formulation favoring integration in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems. • Validation through in vivo experiments in a Plant Characterization Unit.

Precision nutrition and food biomanufacturing for space missions: Toward intelligent and bioregenerative life-support systems.

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific and experimental substantiation of the principles for designing effective thermal protective special clothing (TPSC) equipped with an utonomous life support system, based on the integrated mplementation of passive and active thermal rotection methods under conditions of extreme and ultra-high temperature exposure. The research is aimed at establishing thermophysical regularities of heat transfer within multilayer material assemblies and developing a predictive model for temperature distribution and protective performance time under convective heat removal conditions. Methods. The research methodology is based on a combination of theoretical modeling, experimental determination of thermophysical characteristics, and engineering design approaches. The theoretical framework relies on the theory of non-stationary heat transfer and the method of regular thermal regime, employing analytical solutions of differential equations describing heat conduction and convective heat exchange processes in porous multilayer systems. The thermophysical parameters of aterials and material assemblies were determined using a flat bicalorimeter and a regular regime rocalorimeter. The study encompassed material packages omposed of metallized heat-reflective outer layers, heat-esistant fabrics, membrane materials, thermal nsulation interlayers, and lining materials. In addition, a nanostructured textile material modified with silver nanoparticles synthesized via a green echnology approach was developed and mplemented as a hygienic underwear layer. A comparative analysis of various package configurations was conducted in order to identify optimal combinations according to thermal resistance, density, and ergonomic performance criteria. Results. It was established that the exclusive use of passive thermal protection under ultra-high temperature conditions is ergonomically inefficient due to the necessity of significantly increasing garment thickness and mass. The integration of an active convective cooling system ensures a ubstantial increase in the effective thermal resistance of the multilayer structure. A mathematical model describing temperature distribution within a porous thermal insulation layer under forced air filtration conditions was developed. An efficiency coefficient of active thermal protection was introduced and analytically determined, enabling quantitative evaluation of cooling system performance. xperimental results confirmed that optimized aterial packages incorporating metallized outer layers and advanced thermal insulation materials provide enhanced thermal resistance while maintaining acceptable weight and dimensional characteristics. The application of the nanomodified textile material in the inner layer ensures compliance with hygienic requirements, ultraviolet radiation protection, and improved environmental sustainability of the production process. Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive physical model of heat transfer in thermal protective clothing combining passive multilayer thermal insulation with active convective cooling has been theoretically substantiated. An analytical solution to the problem of temperature distribution within a porous thermal insulation layer under convective filtration conditions was obtained, enabling determination of the heat flux penetrating toward the human body as well as calculation of the efficiency coefficient of active thermal protection. The approach to the classification of heat-resistant materials according to their thermophysical characteristics and functional role within multilayer assemblies has been further developed. The use of a nanostructured textile material containing silver nanoparticles synthesized through an environmentally safe method is proposed as an integral component of combined thermal protection systems. Practical significance. The obtained theoretical relationships and experimental results provide the possibility of predicting the protective performance time and ergonomic characteristics of thermal protective special clothing at the pre-design stage. The developed design principles contribute to the creation of competitive, high-technology products intended for fire-rescue units and professionals operating under extreme temperature conditions. The implementation of nanomodified textile materials enhances the hygienic properties of garments, ensures ultraviolet rotection, reduces energy consumption in the manufacturing process, and improves the environmental safety of the technology. The proposed approach establishes a methodological foundation for the further evelopment of adaptive and autonomous life support systems in the design of modern protective clothing.

Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) both have high mortality rates without liver transplantation. Artificial liver support systems may benefit patients with liver failure, serving as a bridge to transplantation or as a destination therapy allowing recovery. There are currently two types of artificial liver support systems: non-biological and biological. Non-biological artificial liver (NBAL) support systems primarily focus on detoxification by removing toxins through selective membranes and adsorbent materials. Well-known NBAL systems are plasma exchange, Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS), Single-Pass Albumin Dialysis (SPAD), and the Fractionated Plasma Separation and Adsorption System (Prometheus). NBAL therapies consistently reduce bilirubin and improve encephalopathy; however, pivotal randomized controlled trials such as RELIEF (MARS) and HELIOS (Prometheus) did not confirm a survival advantage, although plasma exchange improved transplant-free survival in acute liver failure. Biological artificial liver (BAL) support systems use human or animal-derived hepatocytes to temporarily replace liver function, including the Extracorporeal Liver Assist Device (ELAD), HepatAssist, and stem-cell-based systems. Early BAL studies showed biochemical and neurological improvements, but large trials such as VTL-308 failed to demonstrate a significant survival benefit over standard medical therapy. Overall, while NBAL and BAL therapies can improve encephalopathy, renal function, and cholestasis, current evidence does not show a clear mortality benefit, and artificial liver support systems remain supportive rather than curative.

Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as spirulina, is a photosynthetically efficient cyanobacterium used for the production of nutritional supplements, biofuel, wastewater treatment, and CO2 sequestration. These traits and uses make it a candidate for bioregenerative life support systems for space travel and future habitats. However, A. platensis lacks a robust cryopreservation method for long-term storage of viable cells, and genetic stocks are currently sub-cultured for maintenance. Here, we report an efficient cryopreservation method for the A. platensis strain NIES-39 and adapt this method for an upcoming spaceflight experiment. Seven cryoprotective agents were tested to preserve viable A. platensis. We found that a combination of dimethyl sulfoxide and trehalose additives to Zarrouk's media protected trichome viability for extended storage periods at -80 °C. Throughout 1 year of frozen storage, we observed equivalent viability of cryopreserved cells in comparison to non-frozen cultures. Equivalent cryopreservation was demonstrated with multiple volumes of frozen culture, culture containers, and thawing methods to adapt the method for delivery and return of viable NIES-39 for the Space Algae-2 experiment on the International Space Station. The method requires minimal resources, employs simple freezing and thawing procedures, and could be implemented in commercial production to preserve genetic stocks.

Human crews aboard the International Space Station (ISS) rely on cutting-edge technologies for resource reuse and system operation units. However, despite this great achievement, ISS maintenance still relies on Earth proximity, which continuously supports the station and provides help in the case of systems failures. For future missions beyond Earth orbit, such support will not be feasible, and any malfunction at the life support systems must be anticipated and proactively prevented. One of the recurring problems aboard the ISS is the uncontrolled growth of a three-dimensional structure made of micro-organism suspended in an extracellular polysaccharide matrix, known as a biofilm. This phenomenon has caused the biofouling and contamination of valves, filters, and reservoirs, with biofilm growth at solid–liquid interfaces progressively clogging components and impairing fluid circulation. Microgravity plays a not well-understood role on bacteria growth and biofilm morphology under flow. From a rheological point of view, bacterial biofilms are viscoelastic active matter with dynamic properties, meaning that they can adapt their structure in response to external stresses. In this framework, understanding their rheological features is fundamental to link their mechanical response to the resilience often mentioned in the literature. In this Perspective, we first discuss the rheology of bacterial suspensions and how gravity can have an influence, highlighting activity-driven viscosity changes and motility-induced structuring. Then, we explore the mechanical development of biofilms, considering how adhesion, extracellular matrix production, and flow interact to shape viscoelastic properties. Particular attention is given to the influence of gravity on structural organization. Finally, we summarize current rheological models of biofilms, distinguishing between different kinds of biofilm structures; identify how rheology can provide useful tools to understand biofilm mechanical properties; and try to mitigate this phenomenon both on space and on Earth.

Green volumetric bioprinting: building photosynthetically active structures with light-scattering microalgae.

Transcriptome of muscle reveals resveratrol modulates energy metabolism and immunity in Litopenaeus vannamei.

ABSTRACT This article examines Samantha Harvey’s Orbital as a literary response to the ethical and temporal pressures of the Anthropocene, because the novel moves beyond the Cold War tradition that framed space as a site of conquest and mastery. Instead, it presents orbit as a condition defined by exposure, dependence, and shared vulnerability. The article argues that Orbital dismantles three central structures of modern political thought, which are territorial space, bodily autonomy, and linear historical time. Through the visual erasure of borders, Earth is presented as a continuous planetary system that exceeds the logic of the nation state. Inside the International Space Station, closed loop life support systems blur the distinction between waste and sustenance, and this condition reveals biological individuality as increasingly untenable. At the same time, the accelerated rhythm of orbital motion disrupts the twenty four hour day and weakens the progressive narrative on which national history depends. The novel ultimately proposes an ethic of planetary responsibility, because survival is shown to depend on recognizing shared atmospheres, shared waters, and shared temporalities, and within this framework citizenship is no longer grounded in territory but in ecological interdependence.

The increasing pressure on ecological systems highlights the need to rethink the relationship between society and nature, with education being a strategic field to promote changes in this dynamic. This study emerges from the field of postgraduate studies in education and aims to analyze the theoretical foundations that underpin learning for sustainability, relating it to the conscious use of natural resources. It starts from the premise that the current environmental crisis is also a crisis of knowledge, demanding pedagogical approaches that overcome disciplinary fragmentation and integrate social and ecological dimensions. The adopted methodology consists of a narrative literature review, exploring key concepts such as social learning, learning for sustainability, and socio-ecological systems. The analysis of the theoretical framework, grounded in the contributions of authors such as Tàbara, Pahl-Wostl, and Wals, allowed the identification of two structuring axes: the need to distinguish social learning from learning for sustainability and the importance of a multidimensional approach in curricula. The analysis of the bibliographic data shows that education for sustainability must go beyond the mere transmission of ecological information, acting on the development of the adaptive capacity of agents to deal with the complexities and limits of the systems of which they are a part. It concludes that the integration of conceptual frameworks such as Learning for Sustainability and multidimensional curricular structures are fundamental to forming citizens and professionals capable of making responsible decisions and promoting the reversal of destructive trends that affect the planet's life-support systems.

Beyond tiny aquatic plants: how duckweeds serve the world as revolutionary crops for alleviating resource and energy crises.

Liver dysfunction is a common phenomenon in critically ill patients. Extracorporeal albumin dialysis (ECAD) is established in supporting liver function as a bridge to transplant or recovery. ECAD device OPAL is confirmed in clinical routine and studied in terms of detoxification capabilities, efficacy and efficiency. For the ECAD device ALBUNIQUE, a further developed system requiring less specialised technical equipment, no corresponding literature is available. This retrospective single-center study included patients undergoing ECAD, either OPAL and/or ALBUNIQUE, in a two-year period from 2023 to 2024, with treatment times of 12 h or more. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to compare the effects of ECAD therapy. In total, n = 25 patients with ECAD treatments were identified in our institution. Among these patients n = 90 ECAD cycles were eligible for evaluation, thereof n = 58 (64%) treatments with OPAL and n = 32 (36%) with ALBUNIQUE. ECAD treatment resulted in significant reduction of bilirubin, ammonia, creatinine, and urea levels as well as significant increase of negative base excess values. The first ECAD cycle was associated with highest percental changes. There were no significant differences between the parameters gathered by OPAL and ALBUNIQUE. Both ECAD systems, OPAL and ALBUNIQUE, were effective in removing bilirubin, reducing ammonia levels, eliminating water-soluble substances and stabilizing metabolic dysfunction without significant differences between the devices. Further, we found no increased bleeding risk during or after application of ECAD treatment in general or for one of the examined devices.

Prolonged Prothrombin Time: A Reliable Clinical Indicator of Therapeutic Efficacy for Chronic Liver Failure Treated With Artificial Liver Support System.

The quest for sustainable energy systems that function in severe settings has generated interest in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) utilizing radiation-resistant bacteria. These extremophiles, such as Deinococcus radiodurans, Thermococcus gammatolerans, and Rubrobacter radiotolerans, exhibit remarkable DNA repair systems, antioxidative defenses, and protein-protection mechanisms that facilitate prolonged metabolic activity in the presence of strong ionizing radiation. This review aims to critically assess recent advances in electrode nanomaterials, biofilm engineering, and system optimization approaches to improve microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. In contrast to traditional electrogens like Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens, which quickly deteriorate under radiation stress, these organisms preserve their extracellular electron transfer (EET) capability and biofilm integrity in adverse conditions. Their incorporation into MFCs broadens prospective uses in space exploration, radioactive waste treatment, deep subterranean bioenergy extraction, and autonomous environmental surveillance. In interplanetary environments, radiation-resistant microbial fuel cells could supply continuous electricity for life-support systems and instruments in scenarios where solar energy is inconsistent. In nuclear reactors and polluted locations, they could concurrently immobilize radionuclides and produce power for distant sensors. Deep systems may utilize native extremophiles to facilitate seismic and hydrogeological monitoring, whilst autonomous biosensors could function in disaster areas for prolonged environmental surveillance. By integrating extremophile resilience with MFC adaptability, these systems provide a self-sustaining, low-maintenance power source that operates effectively in environments where traditional bio-electrochemical technologies are ineffective. The review examines microbial adaptations to radiation, material degradation in radioactive conditions, electron transport pathways, and the contribution of extremophiles to the enhancement of MFC performance. Utilizing these creatures for energy production signifies a new frontier in bioenergy research, with considerable ramifications for planetary science, nuclear safety, and sustainable infrastructure in harsh conditions.