Kiramira

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIa-esH1gK8

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fUzTYwEHIZpXe2JontdW5BF7S2hRe0W6/edit?fbclid=IwAR2uTNsdlFQ3e4pu7ZoR4VR3nU8WF8XHQwFohYRGXdlzf20mXPn5p4Ir-aU#slide=id.p1

Motivation:

Experimental sciences have always been a parallel support to physics. Adhering to the life of biological creatures opens a new way. One such practice is flourishing a new species of organism which could save other species.

Talking about space and exploring it full of excitement and risk could possibly lead to extinction of organisms.

 Not only while travelling to space there are many proofs of extinction of an organism from exoplanets, so space is full of risk which will surely lead to mass extinction of organisms from their natural environment of the planet. The most high risk in space is Space relevant radiation, pressure difference, low or high G. Now looking at the sources of Data from NASA & ESA we can see there is high radiation from various sources that could possibly cause very high damage to human CNS.

 If the waves originated from the collision of galaxies, life on exoplanets might become extinct because the waves carry different forms of radiation which have the capacity to break DNA and lead to cell death in organisms causing significant effects on organisms behaviour, motor and CNS.

Project:

Why a new space hero? 

When the first humans were dispatched to ISS, the scientists were afraid about the possible risk on the astronaut's health psychology. The main risk was radiation which degenerated the body cell DNA and caused many disorders including fatal cancer in astronauts. We in our project have not just focused on the context of astronauts. We have tried to summarise the effect of space`s extreme condition and have taken the reference of the character of different organisms which withstood those extreme situations and have proposed an app concept which would be able to create a new species of organism according to input of situations that an astronaut or a space traveller would give in context to existing data of NASA and other space and research organisations.

1.  Methodology (1st) Introduction to the effect of extreme space environments in organisms.

1. Introduction to One of the cause of Radiation in space & Zero G

In the beginning, we had a galaxy, the milky way which was relatively quiet. But the star formation period started the evolution of the galaxy speeded up. Then, the Milky way reached a state of equilibrium with a balanced state where stars formed steadily then suddenly, Sagittarius falls in and disturbs equilibrium, causing ripples of gravity in space-time like ripples on water. Even the sun and its planets would not have existed if Sagittarius dwarf planets had not smashed into the milky way. When the collision occurs it will affect the types of the exoplanet formed and their compositions. After the observational data of Gaia was released on 25 May 2020. We can clearly say that the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy orbits our galactic core. During this violent collision, ripples of gravitational force! caused the formation of waves in our galaxy. Gravitational radiation, like electromagnetic radiation (radio, infrared, light, and X-rays), transports energy via propagating field fluctuations, or waves. Where electromagnetic radiation involves fluctuations of the electromagnetic field, gravitational radiation involves fluctuations of the gravitational field. Gravitation and electromagnetism are both long-range forces that exhibit radiative behaviour. Two significant differences are

(i) the electromagnetic force is stronger than the gravitational force, and

(ii) the electric charge can be positive or negative, while the gravitational charge—the mass of an object—has only one sign.

Image : ESA/ GAIA

1. DNA Degeneration due to Radiation

EM waves carry energy and transfer their energy upon interaction with matter. The energy associated with EM radiation is proportional to frequency and inversely proportional to wavelength. Thus, EM waves with shorter wavelengths have more energy. Examples of EM radiation (from lowest to highest energy) include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, UV, and radiographs, EM radiation can be further divided into ionising and nonionizing radiation. EM radiation at or below the spectrum is non ionising, whereas radiographs are ionising. The EM has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from an atom or molecule. The release of bound electrons leads to the generation of ions and free radicals. Within living cells, ions and free radicals interact with cellular machinery and cause DNA damage, which can ultimately lead to cell death. The DNA is made up of Nucleotides( Sugar, 4 Phosphate, Purine & Pyrimidine). The radiation waves from the collision breaks down the nucleotide and rearranges the structure of DNA. Which finally leads to death of organisms and extinction of life signatures from habitable planetary systems.

1. Radiation & Life

When our body is exposed to ionising radiation such as x-ray, we should use protective lead clothing. This is particularly necessary for any field with radioactive substances. With some types of radiation, However, such as Cosmic Rays, lead would be a bad choice as it would trigger a source of secondary particles. It is said, very low levels of radiation do not seem to affect our bodies and we survive with low amounts of radiation all the time. At a slight level increased, cells can detect damage to their DNA and initiate self repair. At even higher levels the DNA damage cannot be corrected;this is called mutation and will be passed on to any cells produced from that cell. One possible outcome is cancer. If the damage caused by the radiation is large enough the cell will detect the change and undergo programmed cell death called (apoptosis).this occurs to prevent a damaged cell from reproducing and causing problems later on. It is perfectly natural and happens in our bodies all the time. Radiation becomes a problem when the dose is high enough to kill many cells at the same time. Easily damaged cells such as those in the lining of the gut, hair follicles or bone marrow which produce white blood cells as part of the immune system, will be most affected. This would lead to damage to the affected person’s immune system, hair loss, severe diarrhoea and bleeding; all symptoms of acute radiation poisoning. These effects have also been seen in people unfortunate enough to be involved in accidents when handling strong radioactive sources. Most of our knowledge though comes from studying the survivors of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

1. Space Relevant Radiation:

According to the 2006 report by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), Cosmic radiation is made of nuclei accelerated to relativistic speeds, belonging from outside our planetary system . Electrons and positrons are of minor concern, because they are stopped by modest shielding. GCR nuclei span a wide range of energy and linear energy transfer (LET). The major components consist of hydrogen (87%), and helium (12%) nuclei, with the remaining 1–2% of particles being from Z = 3 (Li) to Z = 28 (Ni) . High-Z and energy particles (HZE), such as iron (Z = 26), are particularly challenging, because every particle can cause damage to cellular DNA which is difficult to repair and no reasonable thickness of shielding material can safely stop them . GCR particle energy allows them to penetrate very deeply through biological tissues, as well as other organic and inorganic substances. In particular, HZE nuclei are an outstanding threat to body cells, which may strongly contribute to the cumulative equivalent dose absorbed by astronauts beyond LEO. Shielding is only partially effective to reduce the doses experienced inside a spacecraft , but increasing shields' thickness leads to the production of high levels of secondary radiation, which can be absorbed even more easily by biological tissues . HZE nuclei may strongly contribute to the carcinogenic risk to which crew members are exposed. Indeed, even at relatively low energy, iron ions are shown to be potent inducers of ovarian tumor formation in rodents . Due to their high penetration power, GCR can efficiently reach CNS cells and pose a major risk to CNS function. However, the effects of chronic exposure to this kind of radiation on nervous system function and CNS cells survival, as well as the factors that may protect from such damage, are still not well-understood. 

Biorender.com

1. Space Radiation effect on CNS( Central Nervous System )

The studies discussed above provide strong evidence that the deep space radiation environment may influence the function and plasticity of neural networks controlling human behaviour. A large body of knowledge is available about genetic factors that may influence human sensitivity to radiation. Not surprisingly, most of the strongest genetic players are involved in some of the pathways that cope with DNA damage. A better understood factor is the status of the ATM gene. The encoded protein belongs to the PI3-kinase family and responds to DNA damage, especially double strand breaks (DSB), by phosphorylating a plethora of proteins playing critical roles in DNA repair, as well as in the control of the cell division cycle . The inactivation of both ATM copies is responsible for the ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) syndrome, which is characterised by extreme radio-sensitivity, cancer predisposition, and cerebellar neurodegeneration. 

1. Effect of Radiation on Mammalian CNS:

Acute CNS risks means functional changes that may affect astronauts` performance during the space mission.Like altered cognition & mood, as well as abnormal motor coordination of the body. CNS function concerns are more related to medium- and long-term cumulative changes, produced by long-term exposure to low sulphur (<20 mGy/h) of protons, nuclear HAZE and neutrons, derived from SPE, GCR and their combination over time. Neural changes caused by cosmic light can affect learning and memory, motor function, orientation, circadian rhythm regulation, and neuropsychological changes, such as: emotional control and risk assessment. The possible final effects are neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (AD and PD, respectively). Direct evidence for CNS effects from moderate radiation doses (≤ 2 Gy) comes from studies of atomic bomb survivors and Chernobyl accident victims who have impaired memory and cognition, as well as psychiatric disturbances, and altered electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns. These studies are limited by dose uncertainty, short exposure time, and type of radiation. Additional evidence has been obtained from radiation therapy patients who frequently experience chronic fatigue, depression, and other behavioural changes. However, the dosage used is too high and heterogeneous to be completely suitable for the space environment. This is a special case of several “opportunistic” studies performed in patients treated with protons and other charged particle beams for various types of intracranial 8 tumours and cerebrovascular disorders. Interestingly, many studies have shown that cognitive decline is not evident within the first year, but is detectable at long-term follow-up. Importantly, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) investigations of the brains of 11 astronauts, involved in long-term LEO missions, have clearly shown that long-term microgravity can contribute to these effects. brain changes caused by radiation exposure. Data from non-human primates, which were irradiated at relatively high doses in various experiments, have mostly confirmed the detrimental effects of radiation on the performance of behavioural tasks. difference. Similar conclusions were obtained with pilot trials performed at much lower doses, resulting in changes in food preferences and impaired experimental performance. However, a provocative study performed at doses on the order of 1 Gy suggests that chronic exposure to spatially related conditions can improve certain behavioural traits. Above data collected from experiments done on astronauts proves that cosmic radiation like em radiation affects mammalian CNS.

1. Radiation Effect conclusion:

As a result of the calculations, it was revealed that the energy lost by the ultra-relativistic particle is eight orders of magnitude less than the energy of the centre of mass. This means that gravitational radiation does not prevent the existence of BSW-resonance (Bañados, Silk, and West) in particle collisions close to the horizon. Therefore, it can be concluded that cosmic rays with ultrahigh energies can be produced in particle collisions of dark matter with a mass of the order of the Grand Unification scale. The strong gravitational waves originate from the bulk motion of large masses. Large accumulations of mass are possible because the gravitational charge (mass) has only one sign and the force between charges is attractive. Gravitational radiation tends to be strongest at low frequencies since significant coherent changes in motion occur on macroscopic scales. Because this wave originated from the collision of galaxies the life on exoplanets might become extinct. Because the waves carry different forms of radiation which have the capacity to break DNA and lead to cell death in organisms. And cause significant effect on organisms behaviour and motor and CNS.

1.  Gravity & Pressure Difference 

Gravity and pressure also plays a great role in the degeneration of DNA and itself the cell of the organism when under the situations of extreme gravity and pressure the cells start collapsing with each other into each other and the entire metabolism stops which causes cell death and ultimately death of the organism. 

 B. Methodology (2nd) Taking the reference of Organism Which survived extremis of space & Creating our own organism using an App.

For making our hypothetical organism we take the following proteins and characteristics as our reference. We have taken Tardigrades, D.Radiodurans and M.Profunda as our reference organisms. The proteins, characteristics and features that ables these organisms to survive in different extreme conditions are described below:  

• Tardigrades: 

Proteins found:

1. MAHS (Mitochondrial Abundant Heat): (Condition-Dry state)

• Protects mitochondria from harm
• It reduces ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) which may harm the mitochondria
• It reduces surface area and volume of inner membrane or inner membrane space of mitochondria where ROS are produced
• MAHS localise to mitochondria preparing for desiccation by reorganising and minimising of mitochondrial cristae
• It also maintains membrane integrity
• Phospholipids membranes when rehydrated or in normal form are of high membrane fluidity, thin and have less packed head groups of phospholipids. When the cell desiccates or dries then the phospholipids membrane has less fluidity or losses its water molecules, are thicker, and have densely packed phospholipid head groups. But, when these cells without MAHS gets rehydrated or normal again some transient holes can be seen which can destroy membrane integrity

1. CAHS (Cytoplasmic abundant heat soluble proteins): (Condition-Dry state)

• Vital for desiccation in tardigrades 
• They have shown to prevent desiccation induced protein damages in vitro
• Three main theories are introduced to explain working mechanisms of CAHS.The main theory and most widely used theory is given below:

1. Vitrification Hypothesis: According to this theory, when an organism dries or goes into desiccation effects like protein unfolding and membrane fusion would slow at the rate which they stop. The vitrification should be only mediated by disordered protein with no crystalline or fixed structure, since CAHS are disordered and have no fixed structure they are proposed to be mediators for desiccation

      3. Dsup Proteins (Damage Suppressor Proteins): (Condition- X-ray Radiation)

• It is the most important protein that allows tardigrades to survive the radiation in space. Based on experiments conducted in ISS, it is found that Dsup proteins have been the main reason for tardigrades survival in space. 
• Dsup proteins binds to nucleosomes and protecting chromosomal DNA from hydroxyl radicals which is formed due to ionisation of X-Rays 
• Dsup protein when bound with nucleosomes than free DNAs create more ressinant structure against the OH radicals healing damages caused by it in the DNAs of tardigrades.
• Dsup proteins reveal that they are enriched in serine, alanine, glycine, and lysine (SAGK) residues. Rv Dsup contains more than 60% SAGK residues, and He Dsup has over 50% SAGK residues. SAGK are disorder-promoting amino acids (Dunker et al., 2001), and the SAGK residues may form a diffuse mass of protein that protects the chromosomal DNA from hydroxyl radical-mediated cleavage in a variety of conditions 

•   D.Radiodurans

           Characteristics of D.Radiodurans that helps in space from radiations: (Radiation   factor)

•  When Deinococcus and other resistant bacteria were exposed to radiation, it was found that the resilience of a cell’s repair proteins was linked to the number of manganese ions in the cell. Manganese prevents any kind of oxidative damage to repair proteins and allows them to swing into action after radiation has damaged DNA. More the number of manganese ions in the cell the more it increases the ability of repair proteins to reduce damage.The repair protein found in D.radiodurans is RecO proteins
• D. radiodurans use mechanisms that limit DNA degradation that restrict diffusion of DNA fragments which are produced following irradiation, to preserve genetic integrity. These mechanisms also help to increase the efficiency of the DNA-repair proteins.

• M.Profunda:

• Presence of Special and high pressure versions of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme-

There is one enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which is found in the familiar E. coli, a bacterium that lives under normal conditions (Mesophile). A high-pressure version of this enzyme is found in M. profunda, a microbe found at the bottom of the Atlantic, making it both a piezophilic (pressure-loving) organism as well as a psychrophilic (cold-loving) organism

By comparing the two microbes, the researchers discovered that the collective motion involving small groups of atoms that bear on the jellylike nature of the protein was most important for survival. A mesophilic enzyme should work best under normal pressures while a piezophilic enzyme should work best under high pressures. The researchers found that when these enzymes worked at their best, their collective motions were similar and in order for a piezophilic enzyme to adapt to high pressures, it needed to adjust its collective motion to match a mesophile's motion under normal pressure.

This special enzyme is found in the q11->q22 region of chromosome 5.

Now, from taking these above characteristics we mix all these characteristics in two different organisms 

SPACE SUPERHERO

Now, considering the above characteristics from different organisms as references we can now hypothesise our own new organism for deep space travels in different conditions. Here, basically we have discuss about two different organisms that could survive in two given conditions:

Conditions 

1.  Extreme dry space and high radiation: Here, we create a eukaryotic and unicellular organism which will consist of :
2. MAHS and CAHS protein in Mitochondria of the cells which would help in the process of desiccation
3. Dsup proteins that binds with nucleosomes to protect chromatin of DNA that protects it from OH radicals produced due to ionisation of X-Rays
4. Increasing the number of Manganese ions in the cell to increase ability of repair cells to heal DNA damage caused by radiations  

We name this unicellular and eukaryotic organism as “S.Animalia”

    B.  Extreme Pressure and Gravitation: Here, we create a eukaryotic and unicellular organism which can survive against extreme pressure and extreme gravitation by taking following considerations:

1. A piezophilic enzyme of dihydrofolate reductase is introduced in the cell which could deal with the extreme pressure
2. Considering the eukaryotic cells are difficult to survive against the extreme gravity we consider the cellular pressure to be maintained. For this we consider an hypothetical enzyme that opposes the pressure of gravity through its own pressure

1. How will this new organism help us ?

We have proposed an idea of APP that runs on an algorithm which uses the data and character selected by the users to develop a new species which has all the character selected by the user and creates an organism which is microscopic and eukaryotic. Furthermore, we can transplant the gene of that organism in human in gametophyte stage for the mutation which could possibly create the new species of human race which will be able to survive in the extreme situation selected by the users. Due to lack of time we could only make the app virtual interface but not the real app. So, the ultimate goal of developing a new species of organism is to make humans more flexible to different space situations which will help us to be an intergalactic species.

1. What do we hope to achieve ?

We hope to achieve making humans a transgenic species which can survive in different conditions of space without any difficulties. If we would be able to achieve our goal then we can make humans the superior species which could travel many thousands light-years without any risk of health and death. This will also help us to make mankind a long existing species of this unsolved only 4% universe which reacts with visible light.

1. What after organism formation:?

1. We want to make easy for people to understand what type of genetic reformation should be done in them for survival in that condition
2. Deep space exploration will be easy and productive & humans could possibly be an intergalactic species which will be able to change the face of races of organisms.

We used the data of space agency to know about the various organism which have survived in exterem situation of space.

and also collected the data of ESA and NASA astronaut health reports for knowing the effect of space situations in humans and other organisms. Using those data we proposed an app interface which would help us to make a space hero which would we able to sustain in space.

Take away from this experience,

 From this experience we hope to gain hands-on experience in research & creative projects. This opportunity could help us increase our passion and help us inspire and empower ourselves and many other students in our community. 

This can also provide us with an early professional working experience in the fields of our passion allowing us to pursue our interests, to learn something new, to hone your problem-solving skills and to challenge yourself in new ways.

 Working on a faculty-initiated research project gives us an opportunity to work closely with a mentor–a faculty member or other experienced researcher. Assisting and going further in depth in this research can give us hands-on experience which is extremely exceptional at such a young age.

This is also an opportunity to hone our leadership and teamwork skills as we collaborate with each other to discover new knowledge and expand about what we already know.

GenelabRepo

Effects of space on the body | Canadian Space Agency

Health Beyond - Report of the Advisory Council on Deep-Space Healthcare 2021 | Canadian Space Agency

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/radiationchallenge.pdf

https://www.nasa.gov/analogs/nsrl/why-space-radiation-matters

https://www.nasa.gov/analogs/what-are-analog-missions

ESA - Gaia

#Radation #Space Hero #Transgenic # DNA degeneration