Physiological Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Microbial Communities
Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Graduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Janelle Hicks: Graduate Student Mitch Villafania: Junior Collin Topolski: Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Janelle Hicks
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Hugo Castillo
Abstract
Past research has shown that bacteria experience significant phenotypical changes when exposed to spaceflight environments. These changes include an increase in biofilm formation that have been shown to increase resistance to antibiotics, osmotic and oxidative stress. These changes highlight potential health risks to astronauts during space travel. Because bacteria naturally occur in communities, rather than pure cultures, we are shifting our focus to study the physiological effects of simulated microgravity on microbial communities. We are using EcoPlates to study whole community responses to simulated microgravity exposure as well as exposure to ionizing radiation. Containing 31 different carbon substrates, we can see which substrates are preferred by the community. Any changes to these preferred substrates, following microgravity and radiation exposure, can give us insight into how the community reacts to these stressors. These experiments support the need for further research on space microbial ecology, including human-associated microbial communities during space travel.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Physiological Effects of Simulated Microgravity on Microbial Communities
Past research has shown that bacteria experience significant phenotypical changes when exposed to spaceflight environments. These changes include an increase in biofilm formation that have been shown to increase resistance to antibiotics, osmotic and oxidative stress. These changes highlight potential health risks to astronauts during space travel. Because bacteria naturally occur in communities, rather than pure cultures, we are shifting our focus to study the physiological effects of simulated microgravity on microbial communities. We are using EcoPlates to study whole community responses to simulated microgravity exposure as well as exposure to ionizing radiation. Containing 31 different carbon substrates, we can see which substrates are preferred by the community. Any changes to these preferred substrates, following microgravity and radiation exposure, can give us insight into how the community reacts to these stressors. These experiments support the need for further research on space microbial ecology, including human-associated microbial communities during space travel.