OUR WORLD IS BUILT ON BIOLOGY,AND ONCE WE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND IT,IT THEN BECOMES A TECHNOLOGY.”
-RYAN BETHENCOURT

Science and technology are the essences of our everyday life. They give a futuristic and broader vision to our thoughts and actions. Science and technology contribute to promoting various aspects of our lives. Without science and technology, we would still be living in the Stone Age. The existence of the modern era is the consequence of science and technology.
We all are aware that science and technology are two different terms in every possible way, but more we also know that they can’t survive without each other. In a similar fashion space and biology are contrasting terms, and now just like science and technology, space and biology have become a twin already. Let us examine what do the terms SPACE BIOLOGY refer to. Firstly, Research in Space Biology is aimed at addressing the basic questions regarding the extent to which gravity plays a role in the growth, morphology, and function of cells in the space environment (Cell Biology), and from the early development of animals and plants to several life cycles (Developmental Biology).

More applied aspects of Space Biology research also include the biological effects of space radiation and radiation standards (Radiation Biology) and the production of cells for medically valuable proteins (Biotechnology).
The application of space biology is exceedingly large. Life in space produces profound changes in biology. All organisms on Earth have adapted to perform under conditions of gravity, atmosphere, and cycles of light and darkness that have been constant for millions of years, conditions which had altered aboard spacecraft like the ISS. For example, while circling Earth at speeds of 17,130 miles an hour, crewmembers of the ISS experience sunrise and sunset 16 times a day! Simply put, terrestrial organisms are not designed for life in space.
The goal of the Space Biology Program in the animal biology area is to understand the basic mechanisms that animals use to adapt and/or acclimate to spaceflight and alterations in gravity in general. Animals are frequently used to model human disease as well as how humans respond to stressful stimuli. The most commonly used model organisms for which genomics are now well defined include vertebrate species, e.g., rodents, both rats and mice, and a variety of invertebrate species, e.g., nematodes and insects. NASA has used these model organisms extensively to evaluate biological spaceflight hazards, elucidate the fundamental mechanisms life uses to adapt to microgravity , and apply such knowledge to advance human exploration, and for societal benefits on Earth.


Undoubtedly, science and technology have made our life easier and faster. We should always hope, make an effort and ensure that the inventions and discoveries in these fields are always used for the benefit of the entire human race! Henceforth, with the help of science and technology, let’s make the world a better place, for you, me & the entire human race!

Jayapoorna, 20BBT013