Falak for Space Science and Research, a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, has launched the first Saudi research mission to study the eye microbiome in space.
Scheduled for the end of this month as part of the FRAM2 mission in polar orbit, the eye microbiome study is in collaboration with SpaceX.
This experiment on the eye microbiome in space is part of the organization’s efforts to advance scientific research in space medicine. It aims to study the impact of microgravity on the eye’s natural microbiome, which could improve the understanding of eye health for astronauts and explore potential medical applications on Earth.
According to the agency, the preparation, integration, and transportation phases have been completed without any errors, paving the way for the launch phase in accordance with the highest scientific and technical standards.
The research team has successfully collected biological samples and conducted precise microbial cultivation in specialized laboratories. The integration phase, which included extensive environmental and mechanical testing, has also been completed to ensure the samples can withstand launch conditions and return safely from space.
Studying the eye microbiome in space is an emerging field of research. The significance of this experiment lies in analyzing the growth rates of the eye microbiome in space compared to Earth’s environment, examining genetic and proteomic changes due to exposure to microgravity, and assessing the microbes’ ability to form biofilms, which could increase the risk of infection in space.
The experiment will also analyze changes in microbial resistance to antibiotics after exposure to microgravity, as these changes may take longer to develop.
This study is part of global efforts to examine the impact of space on human health. While similar research has explored the effects of microgravity on the gastrointestinal and oral microbiomes, the eye microbiome remains a field still under study.
This mission represents a significant contribution to filling a crucial research gap and enhancing scientific understanding of the effects of space on eye health.
