Research Keyword: microfluidic systems

Autonomous, miniature research station (lab-payload) for the nanosatellite biological mission: LabSat

Scientists created a miniature autonomous laboratory that fit inside a shoebox-sized satellite to grow fungi and seeds in space. Launched in 2022, this lab successfully maintained the right temperature, humidity, and food supply for the biological samples while orbiting Earth, sending back images proving the plants and fungi were growing properly. This breakthrough shows that small, affordable satellites can now conduct serious biological research in microgravity, which could help prepare for future human missions to the Moon and Mars.

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Hierarchical Structure of the Program Used by Filamentous Fungi to Navigate in Confining Microenvironments

This research reveals how fungi navigate through tight spaces like soil and wood using sophisticated biological ‘programs’ operating at three levels: individual fungal threads, groups of threads, and entire fungal networks. Each level uses different strategies like sensing openings, remembering directions, and avoiding neighbors to efficiently explore confined spaces. By understanding these natural algorithms, scientists could develop new bio-inspired solutions for navigation and space exploration problems.

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