Dresden research sends mini-livers into space in search of new medical findings

The focus is on so-called liver organoids, small tissue structures grown in the laboratory that replicate the central functions of the organ. They are sent into orbit in special mini-laboratories and exposed to weightlessness for several weeks. At the same time, comparative experiments are carried out under simulated space conditions on Earth. The research team led by radiation biologist Nils Cordes from the Dresden OncoRay Centre is analysing how microgravity and cosmic radiation affect genes, cell structure and tissue organisation. For the first time, a high-resolution sequencing method is also being used to visualise which genes become active under space conditions. The results should show how quickly tissue changes in space and which biological adaptation processes are behind this. These findings are not only relevant for future long-term missions in space. They could also provide new impetus for medical research on Earth, for example in understanding cell stress, ageing processes or the development of new therapies.