Engineering topics

Bijan Harandi

Publications and source records attributed to Bijan Harandi.

2 records

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Improving Data Analyses for a Biological Mission to Deep Interplanetary Space

Onboard the Artemis 1 rocket, NASA plans to launch the first deep space bioscience mission past low Earth orbit (LEO) since 1972, BioSentinel, a 6-Unit (6U) biological CubeSat. BioSentinel’s goals are to assess the effect of deep space ionizing radiation (IR) on DNA and cell damage response, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or budding yeast, as a model organism. BioSentinel accomplishes this by measuring Optical Density (OD) in addition to metabolic activity using the redox dye alamarBlue, both of which will be read through light emitting diode (LED) lights of differing wavelengths. With the largest and most sophisticated energy-providing solar panels utilized on a biological CubeSat to date, BioSentinel will be equipped with an IR dosimeter to identify what doses of radiation the yeast is exposed to at any point in time, in addition to a transponder to send such data back to NASA Ames’ Multi Mission Operations Center (MMOC). Biology computational programs and data processing scripts are necessary to analyze this complex data once it is received, including automated subroutines to analyze duplication rate, alamarBlue reduction, and time periods when paired against numerous other variables. Overall, we have implemented several VisualBasic biocomputational programs to analyze such data in an organized and efficient manner so that conclusions can be made rapidly. Furthermore, we showcase why efficient analysis of particular parameters is important to better understand the risks that deep space IR poses to astronauts, especially when considering the upcoming Artemis missions.

Bijan Harandi↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Immunological Consequences of the Spaceflight Environment on Macrophage Function

The role of macrophages in the protection of multicellular organisms is critical and multifaceted.Regulation of macrophage populations and functions is key to maintaining tissue home ostasis and a healthy organism. As the bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems, macrophages patrol every tissue in the body and show remarkable heterogeneity. Primarily, macrophages phagocytose harmful pathogens and release cytokines to regulate pro-inflammatory responses to infections and anti-inflammatory responses for wound healing. Prior research has demonstrated that spaceflight conditions, including microgravity and deep space radiation, have a detrimental effect on macrophage populations and functions. However, tissue-specific and individual spaceflight stressor-specific effects remain to be untangled. Furthermore, prior research into the effects of spaceflight on macrophages lacks experimental standardization, creating difficulty in reconciling disparate studies. Finally, due to their presence in various human tissues, easy accessibility in the bloodstream, and fast responses to immune status and spaceflight, macrophages present a unique opportunity for developing new diagnostic tools for spaceflight applications. Therefore, further targeted research on macrophage functions may support astronaut health in long-duration crewed space missions, both within and beyond lowEarth orbit. Here we present a review that summarizes previous findings on macrophagedys regulation in spaceflight, details key areas for further research and investment, and recommends potential investigations into spaceflight dysfunctions, diagnostics, and countermeasures.

immunology↗