INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF LONG-TERM COSMIC RADIATION THROUGH BIOLOGICAL RESPONSES
OF THE SILKWORM, BOMBYX MORI, IN SPACE (RAD SILK)
Research Area: Animal Biology-Invertebrates
Expedition(s): 21 and 22
Principle Investigator(s): ● Toshiharu Furusawa, PhD, Kyoto Institute of Technology
University, Kyoto, Japan
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Integrated Assessment of Long-term Cosmic Radiation
Through Biological Responses of the Silkworm,
Bombyx mori, in Space (Rad Silk) examines the effects
of radiation exposure in microgravity on silkworms.
The data collected during this investigation may lead
to a greater understanding of how the radiation
defense system is affected by different factors from
space radiation and a microgravity environment to
develop new treatments and preventative measures
for radiation effects.
EARTH BENEFITS
Radiation effects are critical for biological creatures.
The data collected during this investigation may lead
to a greater understanding of how the radiation
defense system is affected by different factors from
space radiation and microgravity environment. This
data could potentially be used to help develop new
treatments and preventative measures for radiation
effects.
SPACE BENEFITS
This may help develop Space Radiation Biodosimeter
using silkworm eggs, and thus can provide
fundamental information on the effects of cosmic
rays on biological systems that can then be applied
to better protect humans against cosmic radiation.
RESULTS
The environmental conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) include microgravity
and radiation from cosmic rays and heavy ion beams. Crew members aboard the ISS are always
exposed to cosmic radiation, therefore a biodosimetric assessment of health risks associated
with radiation exposure is requested. Silkworm eggs possess excellent potential to be
developed into a biodosimeter.
ISS021E028099 – Expedition 21 Commander
Frank De Winne works on the Integrated
Assessment of Long-term Cosmic Radiation
Through Biological Responses of the
Silkworm, Bombyx mori, in Space (Rad Silk)
experiment in the Japanese Experiment
Module. JAXA image.