Life sciences: radiobiological advanced biostack experiment

The radiobiological properties of the heavy ions of cosmic radiation were investigated on Spacelab 1 by use of biostacks, monolayers of biological test organisms sandwiched between thin foils of different types of nuclear track detectors. Biostacks were exposed to cosmic radiation at several locations with different shielding environments in the module and on the pallet. Evaluations of the physical and biological components of the experiment to date indicate that in general they survived the spaceflight in good condition. Dosimetric data are presented for the different shielding environments.     

Optical environment in gemini space flights

The optical environment of spacecraft is discussed in terms of sky luminance, spacecraft corona, spacecraft scattered light, and glare sources. Rocket data show that sky luminance is not normally a significant factor; that spacecraft corona may be important at times; and that scattering from spacecraft protrusions and glare sources may be very significant. The range of effects for the scattered light sources is very broad and will depend on spacecraft geometry. An alternative approach in terms of primary sources is used to emphasize the overriding importance of sunlight scattered directly or indirectly.     

Isolating "uncultivable" microorganisms in pure culture in a simulated natural environment

The majority (>99%) of microorganisms from the environment resist cultivation in the laboratory. Ribosomal RNA analysis suggests that uncultivated organisms are found in nearly every prokaryotic group, and several divisions have no known cultivable representatives. We designed a diffusion chamber that allowed the growth of previously uncultivated microorganisms in a simulated natural environment. Colonies of representative marine organisms were isolated in pure culture. These isolates did not grow on artificial media alone but formed colonies in the presence of other microorganisms. This observation may help explain the nature of microbial uncultivability.     

现代室内空间环境设计

现代室内空间环境设计,是以自然人文和谐为指导思想,采取艺术化的空间处理手法塑造富有地域文化氛围和人文精神内涵的原生态室内物理生态环境。     

卫星搭载水稻材料万2B、万3B的变异研究

【目的】探索返回式卫星搭载的水稻材料在田间种植时的变异情况,筛选突变株系,为下一步的诱变育种提供科学依据。【方法】利用重庆三峡农业科学院的水稻保持系材料万2B、万3B,搭载于“神州六号”返回式卫星上,通过空间微重力、高能重粒子等环境诱发基因变异,应用卫星搭载返回的种子与留地的对照种子进行对比试验。【结果】卫星搭载的水稻保持系万2B、万3B材料的变异特征主要表现在SP2代,各性状正、反两个方向均发生较大变异。SP3、SP4代各性状表现较稳定,没有发现变异株出现。【结论】利用卫星搭载水稻材料万2B、万3B的方法,可以获得较为理想的SP2代变异株系。航天育种是未来水稻育种获得丰富种质资源、充实种质资源库有效途径之一。     

Biotechnology in the marine sciences

Genetic engineering applied to the production of fish, molluscs, algae, algal products, and crustaceans in natural environments and hatchery systems is still at the rudimentary stage. Cloning systems for producing commercially important chemicals, pharmacologically active compounds, and metamorphosis-stimulating substances present in marine organisms are being sought. Attempts are being made to develop useful drugs from the sea, including antineoplastic, antibiotic, growth-promoting (or -inhibiting), analgesic, and antispasmodic agents. Immediate commercial applications can be expected from engineered systems involving polysaccharide and specialty chemical production, with marine microorganisms as the source of genetic material.