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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Gut microbiome changes with micronutrient supplementation in children with attention–deficit/hyperactivity disorder: the MADDY study

Micronutrients have demonstrated promise in managing inattention and emotional dysregulation in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The biological mechanism by which micronutrients improve these symptoms remains unclear. One plausible pathway is through the gut-brain axis, the bi-directional communication network that links the gastrointestinal tract with the brain. This study examines changes in gut microbiome composition and diversity after micronutrients supplementation in children with ADHD (N=44) and sheds light on potential mechanisms responsible for the response to micronutrients as measured by clinician-rated global impression. Participants from this investigation represent a sub-group of the Micronutrients for ADHD in Youth (MADDY) study, a double blind randomized controlled study in which participants received either micronutrients or a placebo for 8 weeks, followed by an 8-week open label extension with micronutrients for all participants. Stool samples collected at baseline, week 8, and week 16 were analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing targeting the V4 hypervariable region. Pairwise compositional analyses served as the primary means for investigating changes in gut microbiome composition between micronutrients versus placebo groups and responders versus non-responders. A significant change in microbial evenness, as measured by alpha diversity, was observed following micronutrients, and the phylum Actinobacteriota decreased in the micronutrients group compared to placebo. Additionally, two bacterial families: Rikenellaceae and Oscillospiraceae, exhibited a significant increase in change of gut microbiome composition following micronutrients between responders and non-responders. These findings suggest that micronutrients modulated the composition of the gut microbiome and point towards specific bacterial changes associated with response to micronutrients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Circulating levels of micronutrients and risk of osteomyelitis: a Mendelian randomization study

Background Few observational studies have investigated the effect of micronutrients on osteomyelitis, and these findings are limited by confounding and conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to evaluate the association between blood levels of eight micronutrients (copper, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin E) and the risk of osteomyelitis. Methods We performed the two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) to investigate causation, where instrument variables for the predictor (micronutrients) were derived from the summary data of micronutrients from independent cohorts of European ancestry. The outcome instrumental variables were used from the summary data of European-ancestry individuals ( n = 486,484). The threshold of statistical significance was set at p < 0.00625. Results We found a significant causal association that elevated zinc heightens the risk of developing osteomyelitis in European ancestry individuals OR = 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI) [1.07, 1.43]; p = 4.26E-03]. Similarly, vitamin B6 showed a similar significant causal effect on osteomyelitis as a risk factor OR = 2.78 (95% CI [1.34, 5.76]; p = 6.04E-03; in the secondary analysis). Post-hoc analysis suggested this result (vitamin B6). However, the multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) provides evidence against the causal association between zinc and osteomyelitis OR = 0.98(95% CI [−0.11, 0.07]; p = 7.20E-1). After searching in PhenoScanner, no SNP with confounding factors was found in the analysis of vitamin B6. There was no evidence of a reverse causal impact of osteomyelitis on zinc and vitamin B6. Conclusion This study supported a strong causal association between vitamin B6 and osteomyelitis while reporting a dubious causal association between zinc and osteomyelitis.

Zhang, Xu↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

BioNutrients: Microbial on-demand production of short shelf-life micronutrients in space

Long duration deep space missions pose a significant challenge when considering adequate nutrition for human spaceflight. Many micronutrients supplied in pre-packaged foods for low Earth orbit flights have a short shelf life and will degrade over multi-year missions. One strategy to mitigate the risk of micronutrient malnutrition is to grow fresh foods to supplement a pre-packaged diet. The BioNutrients project aims to develop systems for growing edible microorganisms that are genetically engineered to produce short shelf life micronutrients. BioNutrients-1 (BN-1) is a five-year spaceflight project currently underway on the International Space Station (ISS) that tests long-term storage and production of two carotenoids, β-carotene and zeaxanthin, in genetically engineered yeast strains. BN-1 on-orbit and ground control activities indicate that the nutrient production system will be stable for at least two years in ambient storage conditions. BN-1 is also testing the effects of long-term ISS storage on viability and gene expression using “stasis packs” containing a series of microorganisms useful in food and biomanufacturing processes. Stasis pack analysis is distinguishing microorganisms with full viability after two years of storage from other species that lose viability rapidly. In parallel, BioNutrients-2 (BN-2) is being developed as a six-month flight experiment that will expand the range of foods produced on ISS to include yogurt, kefir, and probiotic yeast. BN-2 will improve upon hardware design by transitioning from a hard-shell polycarbonate bioreactor to a flexible fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) bag. This change reduces the mass and volume required to store production packs. The long-term goal of BioNutrients is to develop the capability for rapid and safe delivery of multiple micronutrients in single-use production packs. We expect synthetic biology approaches similar to BioNutrients will play an important role for astronaut health in future NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

Synthetic Biology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Time‐series multi‐omics analysis of micronutrient stress in Sorghum bicolor reveals iron and zinc crosstalk and regulatory network conservation

Micronutrient stress impacts growth, biomass production, and grain yield in crops. Multi-omics studies are valuable resources in identifying genes for functional studies and trait improvement, such as accumulation of Fe or Zn under deficient or excess conditions for bioenergy or grain agriculture. We conducted transcriptomics and ionomics analyses on Sorghum bicolor BTx623, grown under Fe and Zn limited and excess conditions over a 21-day period. To identify early and late transcriptional response in roots and leaves, 180 RNAseq libraries were sequenced for differential expression and co-expression network analyses. Fe and Zn accumulation was measured using ICP-MS at each time point, and a fluorometer was used to estimate chlorophyll content in leaves. Among the four treatments, Fe limitation and Zn excess resulted in the largest phenotypic effects and transcriptional response in roots and leaves. Several of the reduction (Strategy I) and chelation (Strategy II) strategy genes that improve bioavailability of Fe and Zn in plant roots often used by non-grass and grass species, respectively, were differentially expressed. Gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis of roots revealed enrichment of genes from Fe limiting and Zn excess which strongly connect to homologues of SbFIT, SbPYE, and SbBTS as hub genes. The GRN for leaf responses showed homologues of SbPYE and SbBTS as hubs connecting genes for chloroplast biosynthesis, Fe-S cluster assembly, photosynthesis, and ROS scavenging. Expression analyses suggest sorghum uses Strategy II genes for Fe and Zn uptake, as expected, but can also utilize Strategy I genes, which may be advantageous in variable moisture environments. We found strong overlap between Fe and Zn responsive GRNs, indicative of micronutrient crosstalk. We also found conservation of root and leaf GRNs, and known homologous genes suggest strong constraints on homeostasis networks in plants. These data will provide a resource for functional genetics to enhance micronutrient transport in sorghum, and opportunities to conduct further comparative GRN analysis across diverse crops species.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Concentrations and Health Implications of As, Hg, and Cd and Micronutrients in Rice and Emissions of CH 4 From Variably Flooded Paddies

Abstract The flooded soil conditions under which rice is typically grown are beneficial for boosting yield and decreasing herbicide inputs but may pose a food safety and environmental health risk. Flooded soils lead to reducing conditions and anaerobic metabolisms of soil microorganisms, which mobilizes arsenic from soil into soil solution, where it can be absorbed by rice roots and transported to grain. These conditions also promote the production and emission of methane (CH 4 )—a potent greenhouse gas. To evaluate how water management affects metal(loid) grain concentrations and CH 4 emissions, we conducted a 2‐year field study in which rice paddy water was managed under a range of soil redox conditions that spanned from flooded to non‐flooded. We observed that growing rice under less flooded conditions decreased CH 4 emissions and concentrations of grain total As, grain inorganic As, grain total Hg, and grain inorganic Hg relative to flooded conditions, with more reductions observed as conditions were drier; grain organic As and Hg (MeHg) species also decreased with drier conditions particularly in Year 1. However, the driest conditions tested led to a 50%–97% increase in grain Cd concentrations that exceeded the CODEX limit and grain yield reductions as high as 25% and 40% in Year 1 and 2, respectively. While concentrations of toxic metal(loid)s could be manipulated by water management, micronutrient concentrations were similar or decreased with drier conditions, potentially increasing grain Cd bioaccessibility to humans. Because practices for rice water management are gaining momentum, more research should monitor grain Cd levels along with micronutrients.

Environmental Sciences & Ecology↗
NASA NTRS2001

Beneficial effects of humic acid on micronutrient availability to wheat

Humic acid (HA) is a relatively stable product of organic matter decomposition and thus accumulates in environmental systems. Humic acid might benefit plant growth by chelating unavailable nutrients and buffering pH. We examined the effect of HA on growth and micronutrient uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown hydroponically. Four root-zone treatments were compared: (i) 25 micromoles synthetic chelate N-(4-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (C10H18N2O7) (HEDTA at 0.25 mM C); (ii) 25 micromoles synthetic chelate with 4-morpholineethanesulfonic acid (C6H13N4S) (MES at 5 mM C) pH buffer; (iii) HA at 1 mM C without synthetic chelate or buffer; and (iv) no synthetic chelate or buffer. Ample inorganic Fe (35 micromoles Fe3+) was supplied in all treatments. There was no statistically significant difference in total biomass or seed yield among treatments, but HA was effective at ameliorating the leaf interveinal chlorosis that occurred during early growth of the nonchelated treatment. Leaf-tissue Cu and Zn concentrations were lower in the HEDTA treatment relative to no chelate (NC), indicating HEDTA strongly complexed these nutrients, thus reducing their free ion activities and hence, bioavailability. Humic acid did not complex Zn as strongly and chemical equilibrium modeling supported these results. Titration tests indicated that HA was not an effective pH buffer at 1 mM C, and higher levels resulted in HA-Ca and HA-Mg flocculation in the nutrient solution.

Non-NASA Center↗
DOE OSTI2026

Impact of Selenium and Vitamin E Deficiency on Zika Virus Pathogenesis and Immune Response in Mice

Micronutrient status is recognized to influence host susceptibility to viral infections, yet its impact on Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. We investigated the effects of dietary selenium and combined selenium plus vitamin E deficiency on ZIKV infection outcomes in a type I interferon α/β receptor knockout (Ifnar1 −/− ) murine model. Mice maintained on deficient diets exhibited significantly lower neutralizing antibody titers and reduced levels of key antiviral cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-12p70, CCL5) compared to controls. Correspondingly, higher viral RNA loads were detected in the brains of double-deficient mice, which also experienced greater weight loss and increased mortality. Deep sequencing revealed no major differences in overall viral genome diversity across diet groups; however, specific mutations, including V330L and D67E in the E gene, and V360I in the NS3 gene, were enriched or detected in nutritionally deficient animals. These findings suggest that antioxidant micronutrient deficiency impairs both humoral and cellular immune responses to ZIKV, potentially facilitating enhanced neuroinvasion. While the functional consequences of the identified mutations warrant further investigation, our results underscore the importance of adequate micronutrient intake for optimal antiviral defense. Further studies are needed to clarify the epidemiological significance of these observations.

Biological and medical sciences↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimizing bioenergy sorghum productivity and nutrient removal in Illinois: Impact of nitrogen fertilization under diverse marginal conditions

Bioenergy sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a promising crop for contributing to the United States bioenergy supply. However, the varying limitations of the marginal lands targeted for its cultivation present a management challenge. This two-year study aimed to investigate how the limitations associated with marginal cropland impact the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the yield of bioenergy sorghum and the uptake of 11 macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B). The study contrasted prime cropland in central Illinois (Urbana) with three marginal cropland sites in southern (Ewing) and central Illinois (Fairbury and Pesotum). These marginal cropland sites are characterized by varying limitations, including low soil fertility (P and K limitations), leaching and erosion, and flooding, respectively. Four nitrogen rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha –1 ) were tested under eight environments. The average yields and ranges of sorghum biomass were 20.2 (17.0–23.2) Mg ha –1 in Urbana, 18.1 (13.1–19.8) Mg ha –1 in Ewing, 13.8 (9.0–17.3) Mg ha –1 in Fairbury, and 23.3 (14.6–33.0) Mg ha –1 in Pesotum. Optimal N rates were 56 N in Pesotum and 112 N in Urbana, Ewing, and Fairbury. Tissue macronutrient contents in Urbana were generally higher than in the marginal croplands, while micronutrient contents did not show discernible trends. Increasing N rate generally correlated with the macronutrient removal except in Ewing. Comparable sorghum biomass yields were observed between prime and marginal croplands (averaging 18.3 Mg ha –1 ), but optimal N rates varied between 56 N and 112 N. This suggests that yield gaps can be narrowed by applying the optimal N rates for the respective locations. However, increased removals of macronutrients, especially P and K, with increasing yields indicate the need to revise fertilizer recommendations, particularly for soils deficient in these nutrients.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Wildfire Produces Transient Minerals: Speciation, Reactivity, and Fate of Iron and Manganese in Surface Soils Post Wildfire

Wildfire leads to the deposition of an ash layer at the land surface. This material typically has alkaline properties, abundant pyrogenic carbon, and elevated metal concentrations compared to surface soils. Here, we compare ash and surface soils collected three weeks and two years after the Glass Fire (St. Helena, California, USA) to determine how wildfire affects the speciation and reactivity of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), two micronutrients that influence many soil processes. Synchrotron-based analyses revealed that wildfire generated stable Fe oxides like maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 ) and hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) that likely derived from surface soil or mineral dust rather than the vegetation, and Mn oxides such as hausmannite (Mn 3 O 4 ) and bixbyite (Mn 2 O 3 ) that derived primarily from aboveground biomass. However, these pyrogenic minerals were absent in soils collected two years after the fire. Their loss from the soil surface may result from a combination of erosion, translocation to deeper soil layers, and chemical weathering. The latter hypothesis is supported by the enhanced mobilization of Fe and Mn from ash upon the addition of pyoverdine, a model biogenic ligand. The increased mobility of micronutrients from fire-derived minerals in ash in response to microbial and root exudation may facilitate postfire soil and vegetation recovery.

bixbyite↗
DOE OSTI2024

Nanoscale elemental and morphological imaging of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria

Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria bind atmospheric nitrogen and carbon dioxide using sunlight. This experimental study focused on a laboratory-based model system, Anabaena sp., in nitrogen-depleted culture. When combined nitrogen is scarce, the filamentous prokaryotes reconcile photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation by cellular differentiation into heterocysts. To better understand the influence of micronutrients on cellular function, 2D and 3D synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mappings were acquired from whole biological cells in their frozen-hydrated state at the Bionanoprobe, Advanced Photon Source. To study elemental homeostasis within these chain-like organisms, biologically relevant elements were mapped using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Higher levels of cytosolic K + , Ca 2+ , and Fe 2+ were measured in the heterocyst than in adjacent vegetative cells, supporting the notion of elevated micronutrient demand. P-rich clusters, identified as polyphosphate bodies involved in nutrient storage, metal detoxification, and osmotic regulation, were consistently co-localized with K + and occasionally sequestered Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Mn 2+ ions. Machine-learning-based k-mean clustering revealed that P/K clusters were associated with either Fe or Ca, with Fe and Ca clusters also occurring individually. In accordance with XRF nanotomography, distinct P/K-containing clusters close to the cellular envelope were surrounded by larger Ca-rich clusters. The transition metal Fe, which is a part of nitrogenase enzyme, was detected as irregularly shaped clusters. The elemental composition and cellular morphology of diazotrophic Anabaena sp. was visualized by multimodal imaging using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. This paper discusses the first experimental results obtained with a combined in-line optical and X-ray fluorescence microscope at the Bionanoprobe.

Anabaena sp↗
NASA NTRS1999

Nutrient-substituted hydroxyapatites: synthesis and characterization

Incorporation of Mg, S, and plant-essential micronutrients into the structure of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) may be advantageous for closed-loop systems, such as will be required on Lunar and Martian outposts, because these apatites can be used as slow-release fertilizers. Our objective was to synthesize HA with Ca, P, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Mo, B, and Cl incorporated into the structure, i.e., nutrient-substituted apatites. Hydroxyapatite, carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA), nutrient-substituted hydroxyapatite (NHA), and nutrient-substituted carbonate hydroxyapatite (NCHA) were synthesized by precipitating from solution. Chemical and mineralogical analysis of precipitated samples indicated a considerable fraction of the added cations were incorporated into HA, without mineral impurities. Particle size of the HA was in the 1 to 40 nm range, and decreased with increased substitution of nutrient elements. The particle shape of HA was elongated in the c-direction in unsubstituted HA and NHA but more spherical in CHA and NCHA. The substitution of cations and anions in the HA structure was confirmed by the decrease of the d[002] spacing of HA with substitution of ions with an ionic radius less than that of Ca or P. The DTPA-extractable Cu ranged from 8 to 8429 mg kg-1, Zn ranged from 57 to 1279 mg kg-1, Fe from 211 to 2573 mg kg-1, and Mn from 190 to 1719 mg kg-1, depending on the substitution level of each element in HA. Nutrient-substituted HA has the potential to be used as a slow-release fertilizer to supply micronutrients, S, and Mg in addition to Ca and P.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗
DOE OSTI2024

Data for Optimizing Bioenergy Sorghum Productivity and Nutrient Removal in Illinois: Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization Under Diverse Marginal Conditions

Bioenergy sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a promising crop for contributing to the United States bioenergy supply. However, the varying limitations of the marginal lands targeted for its cultivation present a management challenge. This two-year study aimed to investigate how the limitations associated with marginal cropland impact the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the yield of bioenergy sorghum and the uptake of 11 macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B). The study contrasted prime cropland in central Illinois (Urbana) with three marginal cropland sites in southern (Ewing) and central Illinois (Fairbury and Pesotum). These marginal cropland sites are characterized by varying limitations, including low soil fertility (P and K limitations), leaching and erosion, and flooding, respectively. Four nitrogen rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha−1) were tested under eight environments. The average yields and ranges of sorghum biomass were 20.2 (17.0–23.2) Mg ha−1 in Urbana, 18.1 (13.1–19.8) Mg ha−1 in Ewing, 13.8 (9.0–17.3) Mg ha−1 in Fairbury, and 23.3 (14.6–33.0) Mg ha−1 in Pesotum. Optimal N rates were 56 N in Pesotum and 112 N in Urbana, Ewing, and Fairbury. Tissue macronutrient contents in Urbana were generally higher than in the marginal croplands, while micronutrient contents did not show discernible trends. Increasing N rate generally correlated with the macronutrient removal except in Ewing. Comparable sorghum biomass yields were observed between prime and marginal croplands (averaging 18.3 Mg ha−1), but optimal N rates varied between 56 N and 112 N. This suggests that yield gaps can be narrowed by applying the optimal N rates for the respective locations. However, increased removals of macronutrients, especially P and K, with increasing yields indicate the need to revise fertilizer recommendations, particularly for soils deficient in these nutrients. Our study suggests that while sorghum production on marginal cropland is feasible, N management needs to be adapted to the unique limitations associated with various types of marginal cropland.

Biomass Analytics↗
NASA NTRS2024

Synthetic Biology to Support Human Exploration of Deep Space

The International Space Station (ISS) has enabled a continuous human presence in space since November 2000. The ISS is in low Earth orbit, facilitating regular resupply missions to deliver air, water, food, spare parts, and science experiments. NASA’s Moon to Mars campaign seeks to return humans to the Moon and prepare for crewed missions to Mars. Increased distance from Earth poses logistical challenges to provide all resources needed by humans for deep space missions. NASA Ames Research Center is conducting a series of synthetic biology projects to test the use of microbes for on-demand biosynthesis of human micronutrients. The BioNutrients spaceflight experiments test an implementation concept to produce fermented food products in which microbe growth enhances micronutrient content. On-demand production of carotenoids was engineered into two yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) strains that have been tested in nearly 5 years of storage. One of the BioNutrients strains will be incorporated into the Lunar Explorer Instrument for Space Biology Applications (LEIA) project. LEIA is developing an instrument suite to be delivered to the lunar south pole region by the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The LEIA instrument suite will be used to measure multiple yeast strains for growth, metabolic activity, and synthetic biology-enabled production of carotenoids, while taking real time measurements of biologically relevant radiation exposure on the lunar surface. LEIA data will be used to assess the impact of lunar surface radiation and reduced gravity on the production of engineered traits.

Synthetic Biology↗
NASA NTRS1996

The nutritional adequacy of a limited vegan diet for a Controlled Ecological Life-Support System

Purdue University, as well as the Johnson and Kennedy Space Centers and NASA Ames Research Center, are investigating approximately 5-10 plants that will be grown hydroponically to provide not only the energy and nutrients, but also the oxygen for humans habitating in Mars and lunar bases. The growth and nutritional status of rats fed either a control diet (adequate in all macro- and micronutrients) or a strict vegetarian diet consisting of 5 (vegan-5) or 10 (vegan-10) candidate crop species were investigated. In addition, vegan-10 diets were supplemented with mineral and/or vitamin mix at a level similar to the control diets to assess the effect of supplementation on nutrient status. The assessment of inedible plant material as an alternative food source was also investigated. Results of this study demonstrated that consumption of the vegan-10 diet significantly improved weight gain of rats compared to that for rats fed the vegan-5 diet. Mineral supplementation, at a level present in the control diet, to the vegan-10 diet improved growth and nutrient status, but growth was significantly lower compared to the control-fed rats. Inclusion of inedible plant material, high in ash content, improved some indices of nutrient status, without improving growth.

NASA Discipline Number 93-10↗