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Continue ReadingART+SCIENCE: SpaceX CRS19 at Cosmic Perspective
By Cosmic Perspective: The First Agricultural Biocontrol Experiment in Space. We got to know the passionate researchers at Pheronym and the USDA, who never imagined they’d be doing their agriculture research in space — the very first of its kind. This fascinating experiment aims to pave the way for us to use organic pest-control in space and improve our agricultural practices on Earth. “Nematodes are little roundworms… they only attack insects, so they’re natural biopesticides. We use them in organic approaches in lieu of chemical pesticides so they’re safe to the environment…” Interview with Dr. Kaplan at Pheronym and Dr. Shapiro-Ilan at USDA, Listen to Audio
Continue ReadingNASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 12 December 2019
NanoRacks Module-85: The crew transferred the Module-85 tubes (3) and inserted them into cold stowage. Microgravity Effect on Entomopathogenic Nematodes’ Ability to Find and Kill Insects (Module-85 Pheronym) tests the effects of microgravity on the movement and infection behavior of beneficial nematodes, which are used to control agricultural insect pests. The research looks at whether these nematodes can navigate through soil, infect insects and reproduce in space. It also looks at whether their symbiotic bacteria function normally in microgravity and has any effects on insect host physiology. Keep reading SpaceRef
Continue ReadingSpaceX Delivers ‘Mighty Mice,’ Pest-Killing Worms and a Smart Robot to International Space Station
(CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.) December 8, 2019 — SpaceX made an early holiday delivery to the International Space Station on Sunday, bringing muscle-bound “mighty mice,” pest-killing worms and a smart, empathetic robot. ‘ There also are 120,000 roundworms, or nematodes of a beneficial variety, Keep reading This story is featured at The Time, The Washington Post, Phys. org, The Japan Times, Daily Mail (UK), Fox Business, CNBC.
Continue ReadingOn the Hunt: Studying Insect-Killing Worms in Space
ISS BLOG 360: December 10, 2019 By Anne Wainscott-Sargent Experiments Hope to Bolster Nematodes’ Killer Instincts to Protect Crops At a Glance An ISS National Lab investigation from biotechnology startup Pheronym, in collaboration with the USDA, will examine how microgravity affects beneficial nematodes—tiny worms with bacteria in their gut that kill crop-harming insects. A recent study found nematodes exposed to Pheronym’s patented pheromone extract were 28 percent to 78 percent more effective in controlling pecan weevils and black soldier flies than nonexposed nematodes. Improving the pheromone’s efficacy could give growers a better tool to protect crops while reducing broad-spectrum chemical insecticide use. In addition to benefitting crops on Earth, these… Read More
Continue ReadingNematodes successfully launched into space for first-ever agricultural bio-control experiment on ISS
Hard working beneficial nematodes are finally on their way to the International Space Station It’s a scientist’s dream come true.” — Dr. Fatma Kaplan, Project Director and CEO of Pheronym MERRITT ISLAND, FL, UNITED STATES, December 8, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — Pheronym, a bio-ag-tech pest control company, announced today that its first-ever agricultural bio-control experiment featuring beneficial nematodes is on its way to the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory after a successful launch today at the Kennedy Space Center. The nematodes were on a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket on December 5, 2019, launching the 21st Dragon spacecraft mission on its 19th commercial resupply delivery flight to the ISS. The science will focus on… Read More
Continue ReadingThe International Space Station National Lab highlighted Astronematode in a recent press release
SpaceX CRS-19 Mission Overview
Continue ReadingAmaryllis Nucleics joins the mission
We would like to welcome Amaryllis Nucleics to the AstroNematode team! They are providing RNA Seq services for the project.
Continue ReadingPodcast: Nematodes in Space
We thank Tim Hammerich for preparing this amazing podcast for AstroNematodes. Interview with Dr. Fatma Kaplan and Cameron Schiller, founders of Pheronym, which is an agricultural biotech company that provides safe, non-toxic, and innovative solutions to solve numerous agricultural problems. They also recently become involved in the development of space nematodes under the project AstroNematode. AstroNematode seeks to establish interstellar agriculture for Earth. The first agriculture biocontrol experiment will launch on December 4, 2019, and provide data to pave the way for sustainable agriculture on and outside of Earth. How the project got started and where they found funding. The best qualities of the project and what it can provide data scientists.… Read More
Continue ReadingT-43 Days to launch!
We have 43 days till launch and I am evaluating the flight configuration experiments. I’m looking at the progress of the experiments themselves and evaluating the integrity of the tubes and the seals. We want to make sure that nothing escapes on the space station.
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