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A group of Japanese scientists, including Professor Teruhiko Wakayama from the University of Yamanashi’s Advanced Biotechnology Centre and a team from the Japan Aerospace Space Agency (JAXA), have successfully grown mouse embryos on the International Space Station (ISS). This groundbreaking study is a significant step towards the potential for humans to reproduce in space.

In August 2021, frozen mouse embryos were sent aboard a rocket to the ISS. Once on the station, astronauts thawed the embryos using a specialized device and allowed them to grow for four days. Remarkably, the embryos developed normally into blastocysts, which are cells that give rise to the fetus and placenta.

The researchers published their findings in the scientific journal iScience, stating that the embryos cultured under microgravity conditions showed no significant adverse effects due to the absence of gravity. Upon analyzing the blastocysts after they were returned to Earth, the researchers found no significant changes in the condition of the DNA and genes.

This study marks the first-ever evidence that mammals can thrive in the microgravity environment of space. The University of Yamanashi and national research institute Riken issued a joint statement describing it as the world’s first experiment to culture early-stage mammalian embryos under complete microgravity on the ISS.

Looking ahead, further research will be necessary to determine if these blastocysts can successfully be transplanted into mice and result in normal births. This research holds significant implications for future space exploration and colonization missions.

NASA, under its Artemis program, plans to send humans back to the Moon with the aim of learning how to sustain long-term habitation there in preparation for a future trip to Mars. Understanding the potential for reproduction in space is crucial for these endeavors.

This groundbreaking study opens up new possibilities for the future of human reproduction beyond Earth and contributes to our understanding of the effects of microgravity on biological development.

Sources:
– Phys.org: Mouse embryos grown in space for first time: Japan researchers (2023, October 29)

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