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New 3D Microscope Arrives at the International Space Station
A revolutionary microscope has been deployed to the International Space Station (ISS) to investigate how life adapts to severe environments, utilizing advanced 3D imaging technology. This new microscope, called the Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System (ELVIS), aims to provide insights into the resilience of life under extreme conditions.
ELVIS: The Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System
The Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System, or ELVIS, is a project sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory. It was collaboratively developed by researchers at Portland State University (PSU) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The instrument was transported to the orbiting laboratory aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule as part of the company’s 32nd Commercial Resupply Services mission for NASA.
Innovative Technology for Space Research
ELVIS employs state-of-the-art holographic technology known as volumetric imaging to produce three-dimensional images of microbes and other cells. This mission seeks to examine how microscopic life adjusts to the challenging environment of space. Researchers believe the results could be instrumental in discovering potential life on other celestial bodies, such as Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus.
Enhancing Biological Assessments in Microgravity
Unlike conventional two-dimensional microscopes, ELVIS enables researchers to observe the intricate structure and behavior of living cells in three dimensions. This system facilitates detailed biological assessments of how cells transform in microgravity, a condition consistently available to researchers on the ISS.
Jay Nadeau, a PSU physics professor and the project’s principal investigator, stated, “We are excited to use the ISS National Lab to prepare ELVIS for its future roles in space exploration missions.”
Implications for Earth and Beyond
Nadeau further explained, “The successful operation of ELVIS in the demanding conditions of space not only sets the stage for its use in off-Earth environments but also has implications for enhancing biomedical and microbiological research on our planet.”
The Genesis of Holographic Microscopy for Life Detection
Nadeau initially proposed the use of holographic microscopy as a method for detecting life in 2017, suggesting it could potentially identify subtle indications of life that traditional 2D microscopes might overlook.
“It’s more difficult to distinguish between a microbe and a speck of dust than you might think,” Nadeau commented in 2017, when she was a research professor at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
“Digital holographic microscopy allows you to see and track even the tiniest of motions,” she added.
Tracking Cellular Changes in Extreme Conditions
This capability aids in discerning microbes from inert matter and allows for tracking cellular changes that may not be evident from flat, 2D imaging. ELVIS can observe changes induced in a cell’s structure under the harsh conditions of space more effectively than a 2D image.
Studying Resilient Organisms in Microgravity
During its ISS mission, ELVIS will study two Earth-based organisms known for their resilience:
- Euglena gracilis: a highly adaptable microalga
- Colwellia psychrerythraea: a cold-loving bacterium found in deep ocean waters.
By analyzing these organisms in microgravity, scientists aim to discover observable and genetic changes that could support life in alien environments.
Automation and Durability for Space Missions
Specifically designed for space conditions, ELVIS features durable, low-maintenance components and automation capabilities that minimize the need for astronaut intervention, allowing experiments to proceed with minimal disruptions, according to mission team members.