Russia is preparing to launch 75 mice and 1,000 fruit flies into space as part of a month-long mission that will show how cosmic radiation affects living organisms.
The research by Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, and the Institute of Biomedical Problems could prove helpful as agencies set their sights on resuming manned missions to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.
The mice and flies, as well as plant seeds, algae, microorganisms and cell cultures, will be loaded on to the Bion-M No 2 biosatellite, scheduled to be launched on August 20 from Kazakhstan. It will travel around the Earth for 30 days.
The spacecraft will orbit in a region where cosmic radiation is much higher than what astronauts experience aboard the International Space Station, Roscosmos said on Telegram.
“Mice and flies will soon be sent into space,” the post said. “They will help scientists understand how space phenomena affect living organisms in the range where the level of cosmic radiation is approximately 30 per cent higher than in near-Earth orbit. This is important for preparing people for long-distance space flights.”
The study will compare three groups of mice – one living in normal conditions on Earth, a second kept in identical flight hardware in a laboratory on Earth and the third sent into space.
Cameras, sensors and implanted chips will monitor the rodents and allow researchers to track changes to their hormones, immunity and metabolism.
‘Mini-hotel’ for mice
The mice will be placed in a unit described by Roscosmos as a “miniature hotel". It has its own lighting, ventilation, feeding and waste disposal systems.
The mission carries five modules, four stocked with paste-like food that also boosts hydration and one unit where “premium passengers” will dine on dry food and water in gel form.
The use of cell cultures could also help to deepen our understanding of how radiation alters biological processes at every scale.
Scientists have known for decades that radiation is one of the biggest barriers to long-term human space travel. Earth is shielded by radiation by its atmosphere and magnetic field, but deep space exposes astronauts to cosmic rays and bursts of solar radiation.
Bigger picture
Dr Dimitra Atri, principal investigator at NYU Abu Dhabi’s space exploration laboratory, told The National that the risks of travelling through deep space are often underestimated.
“Space radiation is relentless and deeply underestimated," he said. "Researching how radiation impacts life is crucial for protecting astronauts during extended missions to the Moon and beyond, as it helps develop effective shielding, medical countermeasures and mission protocols to reduce long-term health risks."
“Without aggressive research, our dreams of living and working beyond low Earth orbit will remain fantasies. If we don’t tackle this head on, future astronauts could pay a steep price with health.”
The Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s tackled the issue by limiting how long astronauts could remain on the surface of the Moon. But with Nasa's Artemis programme, the US space agency and its partners are preparing for missions that could last weeks and months, exposing astronauts to higher doses of radiation. Mars missions, which could last two to three years, would be even more challenging.
China and Russia are also developing a lunar research station, with China aiming to send an astronaut to the Moon before 2030.
Dr Ashok Narayanamoorthi, a space medicine expert, told The National previously that secondary radiation was the main problem facing astronauts. “It bombards the space capsule or your habitat and enters as secondary harmful radiation. Protective clothing available so far is very bulky … it can’t be easily used for daily life," he added.
Revival of Soviet legacy
Russia has a long history of sending animals into space, dating back to the Soviet era when a dog named Laika became the first living creature to orbit Earth aboard Sputnik 2 in 1957.
Over the decades, dogs, monkeys and other small animals were launched on flights to test the limits of life beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Bion-M No 1 launched in 2013, carrying mice, geckos and other organisms for a 30-day flight.
This latest mission reflects Russia’s hope to remain a key player in biological space research, even as international collaboration with Roscosmos has dropped since the outbreak of war with Ukraine.
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8 traditional Jamaican dishes to try at Kingston 21
- Trench Town Rock: Jamaican-style curry goat served in a pastry basket with a carrot and potato garnish
- Rock Steady Jerk Chicken: chicken marinated for 24 hours and slow-cooked on the grill
- Mento Oxtail: flavoured oxtail stewed for five hours with herbs
- Ackee and salt fish: the national dish of Jamaica makes for a hearty breakfast
- Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
- Jamaican beef patty: a pastry with ground beef filling
- Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
- Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PSG's line up
GK: Alphonse Areola (youth academy)
Defence - RB: Dani Alves (free transfer); CB: Marquinhos (€31.4 million); CB: Thiago Silva (€42m); LB: Layvin Kurzawa (€23m)
Midfield - Angel di Maria (€47m); Adrien Rabiot (youth academy); Marco Verratti (€12m)
Forwards - Neymar (€222m); Edinson Cavani (€63m); Kylian Mbappe (initial: loan; to buy: €180m)
Total cost: €440.4m (€620.4m if Mbappe makes permanent move)
T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Results
UAE beat Nigeria by five wickets
Hong Kong beat Canada by 32 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – Ireland v Jersey
7.30pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Canada v Oman
Tell Me Who I Am
Director: Ed Perkins
Stars: Alex and Marcus Lewis
Four stars
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Various Artists
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
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RESULT
Al Hilal 4 Persepolis 0
Khribin (31', 54', 89'), Al Shahrani 40'
Red card: Otayf (Al Hilal, 49')
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
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SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20electric%20motors%20with%20102kW%20battery%20pack%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E570hp%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20890Nm%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Up%20to%20428km%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1%2C700%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Bournemouth 0
Manchester United 2
Smalling (28'), Lukaku (70')
Series info
Test series schedule 1st Test, Abu Dhabi: Sri Lanka won by 21 runs; 2nd Test, Dubai: Play starts at 2pm, Friday-Tuesday
ODI series schedule 1st ODI, Dubai: October 13; 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 16; 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 18; 4th ODI, Sharjah: October 20; 5th ODI, Sharjah: October 23
T20 series schedule 1st T20, Abu Dhabi: October 26; 2nd T20, Abu Dhabi: October 27; 3rd T20, Lahore: October 29
Tickets Available at www.q-tickets.com
Stat Fourteen Fourteen of the past 15 Test matches in the UAE have been decided on the final day. Both of the previous two Tests at Dubai International Stadium have been settled in the last session. Pakistan won with less than an hour to go against West Indies last year. Against England in 2015, there were just three balls left.
Key battle - Azhar Ali v Rangana Herath Herath may not quite be as flash as Muttiah Muralitharan, his former spin-twin who ended his career by taking his 800th wicket with his final delivery in Tests. He still has a decent sense of an ending, though. He won the Abu Dhabi match for his side with 11 wickets, the last of which was his 400th in Tests. It was not the first time he has owned Pakistan, either. A quarter of all his Test victims have been Pakistani. If Pakistan are going to avoid a first ever series defeat in the UAE, Azhar, their senior batsman, needs to stand up and show the way to blunt Herath.
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
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Meghan%20podcast
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
