Astronauts barreling around the planet at 250 miles above the surface of Earth are testing new anti-ageing supplements in space. As the human body ages, muscles and organs begin to deteriorate, giving way to chronic illness and fatigue. But all of this could be stopped if scientists in space make a breakthrough in a new experiment dubbed Nano Antioxidants. These “smartly crafted” particles could be the key to fighting back diabetes, heart failure and living a longer and healthier life.
The so-called Nano Antioxidant experiment is being coordinated by the European Space Agency (ESA) onboard the ISS.
On Monday, May 6, a special cargo shipment of living cells was delivered to the space laboratory in a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
The cells, combined with ceramic particles, will cultivate inside a warm and comfortable incubator for six days.
Astronauts hope to learn how the effects of weightlessness and cosmic radiation will impact the cell samples.
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Gianni Ciofani, of the Italian Institute of Technology, said: “These nanomaterials chemically designed in our lab are very promising for their antioxidant activity.
“The particles can protect organisms from the damage caused by oxidative stress.
“Nanotechnology has been explored in medicine on Earth, but its application in space is still in its infancy.”
The ceramic particles in question, dubbed nanoceria, simulate the effects of biological enzymes inside of living creatures.
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The particles fight back against the effects of oxidative stress, which causes all sorts of problems in the body.
For instance, oxidative stress can cause cell damage and is a natural part of the ageing process.
Oxidation stress also plays a factor in muscle atrophy, Parkinson’s disease and heart failure.
The most common way of taking the problem is by taking antioxidants that can prevent or at the very least slowdown cell damage.
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Scientists also hope the ceramic particles absorbed by living cells would act as a replenishable antioxidant agent, without the need for repeat administrations.
If successful, Dr Gianni said the nanoceria would naturally regenerate themselves for “days in a row”.
Scientists previously tested the antioxidant technology on the ISS in 2017.
Initial tests were promising, with the particles remaining stable and providing additional protection to muscle cells.
The ESA said in a statement: “This time nanoceria will spend six days inside a mini lab, doubling the length of their exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation.
“Housed in ESA’s Columbus module, the Kubik incubator comprises a compact centrifuge that simulates gravity.
“Half of the samples will be kept at close to zero gravity, while the rest are exposed to the same gravity as Earth.
“After the ride, the particles will be stored at –80°C.”