Axiom-4: Bengaluru 'water bears' serve their purpose in space
Times of India - ScienceSaturday, July 5, 2025 at 9:24:56 PM
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla hit the ground running—or rather, floating—during his first week aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His tasks included studying the resilience of Bengaluru-bred tardigrades (aka "water bears") in zero gravity, kicking off muscle degradation research, and contributing to experiments on microalgae and cognitive function. These tiny, nearly indestructible creatures could hold clues for long-term space survival.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about floating lab work—it’s a big deal for India’s growing role in space science. Studying tardigrades (which can survive extreme conditions) might help future missions protect astronauts from cosmic radiation or even aid in colonizing other planets. Plus, Shukla’s research on muscle loss and algae could improve life for astronauts on long-haul trips. Science nerds, rejoice—this is how we inch closer to the stars.
— Curated via WP Now’s
