UK scientists use space to investigate ageing
A British experiment that could help to solve the conundrum of why people’s muscles deteriorate as they age is poised to launch to the International Space Station.
The project – called MicroAge – is led by a team of medical scientists based at the University of Liverpool.
The microgravity conditions astronauts experience in orbit cause their muscles to weaken, much like they do as people grow old.
Researchers will use this accelerated ageing process to improve their understanding of how muscles deteriorate. This could one day help people to better maintain their strength and mobility into old age.
As part of the project, muscle cells the size of a grain of rice were grown in a lab on Earth and then placed in a 3D-printed protective container the size of a pencil sharpener before their journey to space.
On the International Space Station, the cells will be electrically stimulated to trigger contractions, with scientists closely monitoring the results to piece together how the tissue responds to microgravity and ageing.
MicroAge is funded by the UK Space Agency and enabled by the UK’s ESA membership, which gives British academics access to several cutting-edge research facilities, including the International Space Station. ESA is also providing the launch and operations.
The experiment will fly alongside numerous ESA experiments to be unpacked by the crew of the Space Station, which includes ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer. These activities include the installation of new parts for the Astro Pi computers, experiments on concrete hardening, a technology demonstration to monitor air quality and much more.
MicroAge is due to fly on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, at 10:00 GMT on Tuesday 21 December. The experiment will return to Earth in January 2022 for further analysis.
Malcolm Jackson, Professor of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science at the University of Liverpool, said: “Ageing is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century and we will learn a great deal about how muscle responds to microgravity and ageing from the data we obtain from this study.
“The team has had to work extremely hard over the last three years to overcome the many challenges of sending our science into space. For example, the electronic equipment necessary to undertake these studies usually fills a large desk but we have managed to shrink this to the size of a pack of cards. This development work on automated and miniaturised systems represents an exciting innovation that could have a wider application in the future.”
UK Science Minister George Freeman said: “As we get older, our bones and muscles get weaker, but scientists don’t fully understand how this happens.
“The research of our scientist astronauts like Tim Peake on muscle loss in the microgravity of space is helping identify potential cures for musculoskeletal disease, which causes agony to millions and costs the NHS billions. By harnessing the unique environment of the International Space Station our pioneering scientists could help us all live healthier, stronger lives.”