ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → Biology

Baby squid to be sacrificed into outer space … for science !

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
May 15, 2011
in Biology, Space
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

The stage seems finally set for the Endeavour launch that was delayed so long, and aside from the usual crew, the space shuttle will carry with it an unexpected passenger: a baby squid.

All for the sake of science

No, it’s not because astronauts have changed their menu, and it’s not just for the laughs – the squid can help us understand how “good” bacteria act in micro gravity; researchers already know that diseases microbes become more and more virulent and thrive in microgravity, so they want to see how is affects bacteria which benefits the host.

In 2006 Salmonella bacteria were also sent on a space shuttle, and when they returned, they were three times more likely to kill mice. Esterichia coli also changes behaviour in the same conditions. But all these studies have focused on harmful bacteria, so researchers want to know what will happen to bacteria that “happily” coexist with the host; as professor Jamie Foster of the University of Florida in Gainesville puts it: “Do good bacteria go bad?”.

The first squid astronaut

Squids are part of a group of animals called cephalopods, which are quite intelligent; but even though they’re quite smart, they haven’t really made it up to space travel – at least not until now. This bobtails squid (Euprymna scolopes) carries a cargo of bacteria called Vibrio fischeri, which colonise the squid right after it is hatched, and make headquarters from its internal organs. They then use the squid’s energy, the bacteria generates light, which ensures that the squid doesn’t cast a downwards visible shadow, which helps them.

This is a classic example of mutualism, with both species benefitting from each other; mutualism is extremely present in human bodies, to the point where there are more bacterial cells in the human body than human ones (about ten times more). However, in this case, thousands of species are involved instead of one, which makes human bodies just too complex.

RelatedPosts

Most common type of childhood leukemia is partly due to lack of exposure to microbes during infancy
Oldest fossil in the world found, scientists claim
Surprise, surprise: stricter gun control laws led to fewer fatalities while permissive ones get more people killed
Tourism needs to start considering invasive plants

The experiment, in this case, is extremely simple: newly hatched squids that have not been in contact with the bacteria will follow Endeavour into outer space. After 14 hours, the astronauts will infect the squid with the bacteria, and after another 28 hours, they will kill the squid and fix it solid, afterwhich it will be brought back to earth for examination. Pretty much a sad ending for the squids, and I feel for them. But, Foster and his team decided it’s worth it, in order to understand how beneficial microbes do affect astronauts.

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Health

Tennis May Add Nearly 10 Years to Your Life and Most People Are Ignoring It

byTibi Puiu
2 days ago
Anthropology

Humans Have Been Reshaping Earth with Fire for at Least 50,000 Years

byTudor Tarita
2 days ago
Biology

The Strangest Microbe Ever Found Straddles The Line Between Life and Non-Life

byTudor Tarita
2 days ago
News

This $8750 Watch Was Designed for Space and Could Finally Replace Apollo-era Omega Watches

byTudor Tarita
2 days ago

Recent news

Tennis May Add Nearly 10 Years to Your Life and Most People Are Ignoring It

July 4, 2025

Humans Have Been Reshaping Earth with Fire for at Least 50,000 Years

July 4, 2025

The Strangest Microbe Ever Found Straddles The Line Between Life and Non-Life

July 4, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.