Research into the effects of microgravity on plant development bolsters the evolution of bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS), which are essential to foster extended life in space. However, microgravity, ionizing radiation, and hypomagnetic conditions on space vessels induce abnormal phenotypes that inhibit plant functionality in these systems. Microgravity has been tied to increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phenolic compounds, the latter produced in response to oxidative stress. Microgravity additionally appears to influence germination and elongation success, though current studies exhibit high variability by species. To mitigate the effects of microgravity on plants, researchers can apply directional stimulation via phototropism or strigolactone exudation. Additional research is needed to build on this field, as current studies involve high variability in testing conditions, species, and equipment.
Humanity has always been intrigued with the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the universe. In 1977, NASA attached the Golden Record, a detailed account of humanity and Earth, onto the Voyager 1 and 2 space probes [1]. They intended for the records to be a way to share human knowledge with intelligent life forms that may stumble upon the space probes in interstellar ...
With numerous movies, TV shows, and books in popular culture depicting fascinating stories about alien visits to Earth, it is easy to simply regard the subject of extraterrestrial life forms as science fiction. However, recent discoveries are demonstrating that ideas about life outside of Earth may not be so far-fetched.
