Michigan Space Grant Consortium's 2024 Fall Conference

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Empowering the Next Generation of Space Scientists:

Utilizing NASA STEM Initiatives to Establish the Astrobiology

STEM Activation Program (ASAP)

Sophie Cai, Sanvi Patel, & Margaret E. Hitt

Conference Abstract

The Dow High Space Farmers have collaborated with NASA STEM Programs (GBE, HUNCH, and GeneLab) to contribute to astrobiology, biomedical, and health research that supports astronaut mission health within and beyond Low Earth Orbit. Our focus areas include developing a wearable sweat cortisol biosensor with wireless capabilities, conducting light experiments to improve space diets, and establishing the ASAP program. The biosensor, developed with support from the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Western Michigan University, can provide tailored countermeasures against spaceflight stressors and potentially be used to evaluate the psychological benefits of space farming. Expanding on these partnerships and research, we have developed ASAP, a four-week program that aligns with the Michigan Science Standards and IB PYP for K-5 students. The ASAP engages students in applying their knowledge from the plant science unit to explore space science, astrobiology research, and aerospace engineering, aiming to inspire the future generation of space scientists.

Optimizing Antioxidant and Nitrate Balance in Space-Grown Vegetables:

The Impact of LED Light Treatments

Sophie Cai, Sanvi Patel, & Margaret E. Hitt

Conference Abstract

Leafy green vegetables, containing vitamin C and other antioxidants, can help counteract health issues caused by spaceflight, such as weakened immune systems and radiation damage. However, these vegetables are high in nitrates. When nitrates interact with processed meat or cheese in prepackaged space diets in an acidic stomach, they can form carcinogenic nitrosamines. To determine the best balance of antioxidants and nitrate in vegetables grown in space, we conducted experiments using two different LED light treatments (Control: 230PAR (R25B25G0W175); Experimental: 305PAR (R25B25G0W250)) in 12 28-day, 12-photoperiod trials, growing irradiated Red Romaine Lettuce and Pak Choi (pretreated with Neutron Radiation, Californium-252) in simulated ISS growth chambers with controlled CO2 levels. The ANOVA Analysis revealed that different light treatments yielded no significant difference in growing parameters (dimensions, growth rates, biomass). The nitrate concentrations positively correlated with light intensities and negatively with the CO2 levels, resulting in a preference for the control treatment.

Conference Poster Presentation References

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Corliss, J. Nitrates in food and medicine: What’s the story? Harvard Health Publishing, 2022, February 1.

Ding, Z. et al., “Evolution of nitrate and nitrite content in pickled fruit and vegetable products. Food Control 2018, 90, 304–311.

Dowden, A. (2019). The truth about the nitrates in your food. Bbc.com; BBC Future.

Celina Gómez & Juan Jiménez, “Effect of end-of-production high-energy radiation on the nutritional quality of indoor-grown red-leaf lettuce.” Hortsci, 2020.

Hord, N. G., Tang, Y., & Bryan, N. S. (2009). Food sources of nitrates and nitrites: the physiologic context for potential health benefits. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 90(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2008.27131

Karwowska, M., & Kononiuk, A. (2020). Nitrates/Nitrites in Food—Risk for Nitrosative Stress and Benefits. Antioxidants, 9(3), 241. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9030241

Lefer, D.J.et al, “Nitrite and Nitrate in Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury” In Nitrite and Nitrate in Human Health and Disease; Humana Press Totowa, NJ, USA, 2017; pp. 217–234.

Luetic, S. et al., “Leafy Vegetables Nitrite and Nitrate Content: Potential Health Effects” Foods, 2023.

Massa, G. D., Wheeler, R. M., Morrow, R. C., & Levine, H. G. (n.d.). Growth Chambers on the International Space Station for Large Plants. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20160006558.

Massa, G. D. et al., “Selection of Leafy Green Vegetable Varieties for a Pick-and-Eat Diet Supplement on ISS”. 45th International Conference on Environmental Systems (July 2015).

Mickens, M.A., et al. “Growth of Red Pak Choi under Red and Blue, Supplemented White, and Artificial Sunlight Provided by LEDs.” Scientia Horticulturae, vol. 245, (2019) 200–209.

Mickens, M. A., et al. “A Strategic Approach for Investigating Light Recipes for ‘Outrageous’ Red Romaine Lettuce Using White and Monochromatic LEDs.” Life Sciences in Space Research, vol. 19, 2018, 53–62.

Yang, T. et al., “Dietary nitrate attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injuries by modulation of immune responses and reduction of oxidative stress”. Redox Biol. 2017, 13, 320–330.

Zou, T. et al. “Optimization of Artificial Light for Spinach Growth in Plant Factory Based on Orthogonal Test.” Plants (Basel, Switzerland). 2020.

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