Announcements

Iowa NASA EPSCoR – Research Building Seed Grant FY25 

Team: 

• Dr. Khaled Kamal, PI (Assistant Professor, Kinesiology department, ISU) 
• Dr. Joshua Selsby, CO-I (Professor, Animal Science Depart, ISU) 
• Dr. Lauren Sanders, CO-I (Ames Research Center, NASA)

In a groundbreaking research initiative recently funded by NASA, Dr. Khaled Kamal from Iowa State University’s Department of Kinesiology, in collaboration with NASA Ames Research Center, will delve into how biological sex impacts the response to spaceflight stressors through the lens of extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes. This cutting-edge project aims to unlock insights into how space environments, such as microgravity, impact the molecular and cellular functions of male and female astronauts differently, to enhance astronaut health and performance during prolonged space missions. 

Project Overview 

As humanity advances toward long-duration space missions, understanding how deep space affects human biology becomes essential. Dr. Kamal’s project focuses on examining circulating exosomes—tiny vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication by transporting proteins, RNA, and other molecules. Exosomes are critical in regulating various biological processes, and spaceflight conditions may alter their behavior and composition in ways that differ by sex. This research will analyze these sex-specific exosome responses, using a multiomics approach to decode their role as biomarkers of spaceflight-induced changes. 

Research Innovation 

The project’s novelty lies in its integrative multiomics strategy, a first-of-its-kind application in space biology that merges proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to create a detailed biomarker profile of exosomes under microgravity. This approach will provide a dynamic view of exosome cargo in male and female subjects, helping to identify specific physiological changes triggered by space conditions. By generating a comprehensive “exosome map,” the study aims to predict and mitigate the risks associated with long-term spaceflight, including cardiovascular, cognitive, and musculoskeletal issues. 

Scientific and Societal Impact 

Dr. Kamal’s study has the potential to transform space health research by introducing exosomes as reliable biomarkers and exploring their role in inter-organ communication under space conditions. Findings from this project will help NASA design personalized countermeasures for male and female astronauts, paving the way for safer, longer missions and enhanced resilience in space. Additionally, this research may reveal broader applications, including the development of therapies for conditions affected by oxidative stress and inflammation on Earth, such as aging and chronic diseases. 

This NASA-funded project, aligned with NASA’s Human Research Roadmap and Artemis program, will contribute significantly to ensuring the health and performance of the next generation of space explorers. 

Article by Sarah Bernick

Iowa NASA EPSCoR is excited to announce the recipients of its annual seed grants, aimed at expanding research capacity in Iowa as part of a larger initiative funded by NASA’s Research Infrastructure Development (RID) grant. This multi-year effort, which runs from 2022 to 2027, seeks to empower researchers across the state and foster innovation that aligns with NASA’s strategic goals. This multi-year grant allows Iowa NASA EPSCoR to solicit for Research Building Seed Grants and Partnership Development Travel Grants.  

Each year, researchers from Iowa institutions compete for the Iowa NASA EPSCoR grants to advance their research projects, which are closely tied to NASA’s objectives. This year’s awards include funding for projects that investigate critical areas such as microgravity effects, materials reliability for deep space exploration, and advancements in robotic technologies. 

Grant Recipients: 

Aswati Subramanian (Simpson College) has been awarded a seed grant for her project titled “Effect of Microgravity and Hypergravity on Tetrahymena Microtubule Arrangement and Dynamics.” This research will be conducted in collaboration with the Kennedy Space Center, and it aims to enhance our understanding of Earth systems while developing capabilities to safeguard explorers. 

“I’m incredibly thrilled about this opportunity,” said Subramanian. “Such projects make academia exciting, accessible, inclusive and engaging for our students. In the future, I plan to expand this research to include other departments and divisions across campus. There is significant potential for interdisciplinary collaborations!” 

Siddhartha Pathak (Iowa State University) received funding for his proposal, “Reliability of Metal Joints under Extreme Elevated and Cryo Temperatures for Deep Space Exploration.” In partnership with the Marshall Space Flight Center, this project aligns with NASA’s initiatives related to metal joining in reduced gravity environments, addressing critical challenges for future space missions. 

Qiang Zhong (Iowa State University) is working on a project titled “Developing Tunable Stiffness-Compliant Joints for Limbless Undulatory Robots in Extreme Environment Exploration.” Collaborating with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this research focuses on innovating space technologies to enhance robotic mobility in extreme environments. 

Khaled Kamal (Iowa State University) has been awarded a grant for his project, “Exploring Sex Differences in Exosome Cargo and Function During Spaceflight Using Integrative Multiomics.” In collaboration with the Ames Research Center, this study aims to advance human health and performance during spaceflight, addressing key risks related to astronaut well-being.  

“This NASA-funded project, aligned with NASA’s Human Research Roadmap and Artemis program, will contribute significantly to ensuring the health and performance of the next generation of space explorers,” said Kamal. 

In addition to the seed grants, the RID also supports travel grants to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers. Applications for these travel grants are currently open. 

For more information about the seed grants and to view the complete list of award winners, please visit Iowa NASA EPSCoR Seed Grants. 

About NASA EPSCoR 

NASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) aims to enhance the capabilities of researchers in U.S. states and territories, fostering collaboration and innovation in NASA-related science and technology. 

Credit: Simpson College

Simpson College Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Dr. Aswati Subramanian has been awarded an Iowa NASA EPSCoR Research Building Seed grant. EPSCoR stands for “Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research.” Dr. Subramanian’s $30,600 grant supports NASA-relevant science and engineering research within Iowa. 

Subramanian will use the funding to support a Simpson undergraduate research project on astrobiology during the 2024-25 academic year. Simpson students Sam Derning and Layna Depping will benefit from the grant, taking advantage of a unique opportunity to collaborate one-on-one with scientists at Kennedy Space Center and associated space biology labs.

“I’m incredibly thrilled about this opportunity,” said Subramanian. “Such projects make academia exciting, accessible, inclusive and engaging for our students. In the future, I plan to expand this research to include other departments and divisions across campus. There is significant potential for interdisciplinary collaborations!”

The research seed grant is awarded with the stipulation that investigators will apply next year to the more extensive federally distributed NASA-EPSCoR grants. Dr. Subramanian intends to seek future funds for creating a space biology lab at Simpson. Such a lab would create more research opportunities for Simpson undergraduate students while creating a pipeline for them to join NASA labs for summer internships and/or post-graduate studies. 

The Iowa NASA EPSCoR Research Building Seed Grant (RBSG) program encourages, supports, and facilitates the development and enhancement of NASA relevant science and engineering research within the State of Iowa. Funding is intended to build research infrastructure and help Iowa’s academic faculty establish NASA collaboration in order to become nationally competitive for NASA EPSCoR research funding.

Read: https://simpson.edu/news/subramanian-earns-iowa-nasa-epscor-research-building-seed-grant

Lee’s grant-supported research project deals with a new navigation technique for CubeSats, which provide an attractive solution for space research by universities and research institutes due to their cost-effectiveness in conducting experimental missions.

Lee explains that expansion of CubeSat use into deep space will require highly accurate position knowledge and precision. However, applying CubeSats to deep-space missions poses challenges in acquiring precise navigation information because they cannot use Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Lee’s research addresses this need. The proposal suggests an approach to obtain non-GPS inertial navigation information by tracking solar system planets through a method called “dual star trackers.”

Star trackers are optical devices that operate like smart cameras to measure the positions of stars or planets using photocells or cameras. Lee’s research proposes the use of cameras for this purpose. By taking pictures and recording the spacecraft’s direction, the tracker can analyze and compare the images to a catalog of star or planet positions to assess a precise location.

“For deep space research purposes and CubeSat extended applications, this could be a cornerstone project for my major research field,” Lee says. “We will collaborate with the NASA Ames Research Center and Johnson Space Center. These collaborations will result in various research projects for spacecraft navigation technology.”

Lee is also the director of Cardinal Space Laboratory, which encourages innovative research and educates students dedicated to the design, development, and operation of space systems.

Read the full story here.

On December 6, NASA released its new Open Science 101 curriculum (OS101), aimed at empowering researchers, early career scientists, and underrepresented communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to embrace open science practices. The curriculum, developed by NASA’s Transform to Open Science (TOPS) initiative, is designed to meet researchers at every stage of their open science journey by catering to those new to open science, established researchers, and aspiring students looking to embark on scientific careers.

Why You Should Take OS101:

• Apply for Funding: SMD proposals now require an Open Science and Data Management OS101 will equip you with the skills needed to create this plan and thrive in an open and collaborative research environment.
• Promote Inclusivity: OS101 equips you to better understand how open science will promote inclusivity, and plan for a more open research environment.
• Increase Impact: OS101 teaches principles to efficiently and effectively share your research to increase its impact, enhance discoverability, master data management, and foster connections within the open science community.

All five modules of the course are accessible through a self-paced massive open online course (MOOC) platform, where participants can learn at their own pace. In addition to the MOOC, the modules will also be covered in virtual and in-person instructor-led training sessions. As participants complete the curriculum, they will have the opportunity to earn a NASA Open Science digital badge showcasing their proficiency and dedication to open science practices.

Register for OS101 and begin your open science journey today at https://go.nasa.gov/40pPQMx.

For questions about the curriculum, please reach out to hq-openscience@nasa.gov.