China’s Shenzhou-20 crew to conduct three new life science experiments in space station

According to the China Manned Space Agency, the Shenzhou-20 astronauts, also known as taikonauts, will carry out three important life science experiments during their stay at the China Space Station. One experiment will focus on zebrafish, which were part of a small ecosystem first used in a previous mission. Scientists will study how microgravity affects protein balance in the fish, which may help them understand and solve problems like bone loss and heart issues that happen in space.

Another experiment will use planarians, a type of flatworm known for its ability to regrow body parts. This will be China’s first space experiment with planarian regeneration. The goal is to learn more about how these worms heal and regrow in space, which could lead to better treatments for injuries during long space missions.

The third experiment involves Streptomyces, a helpful type of bacteria found in soil. These bacteria support plant growth and improve the environment. Researchers will examine how being in space changes the way Streptomyces produce useful substances like enzymes, which could lead to new ways of using microbes in space-based farming and medicine.

So far, over 200 experiments have been completed in China’s space station.

Source: CGTN