Expansion of Science Utilization with Kibo in Asia ～Post Flight Rodent sample-sharing agreement with Thailand using Kibo～

Post Flight Rodent Tissue Sharing is a program to promote the effective utilization of unanalyzed tissues acquired during space missions, to expand the scope of Kibo utilization, and to create scientific results based on the Kibo Utilization Strategy, aiming to contribute to aging and health research on the ground and to obtain knowledge for future human space exploration activities.

Under this agreement, JAXA will provide unanalyzed samples to GISTDA for the following two research themes in Thailand.

• Effect of artificial moon gravity on neuronal morphology and electrical activity in mouse hippocampus
  The study will analyze brain tissue to observe gene expression profiles and determine whether mouse brain degeneration is induced under a gravity environment equivalent to that of the Moon (1/6 G).
• To investigate adaptations of the neuroendocrine system in regulating musculoskeletal and metabolic functions during spaceflight
  This study is expected to help develop aerobic exercise protocols and calcium-rich nutritional supplements for astronauts, bedridden, and bone fracture patients.

JAXA and GISTDA have cooperated on a number of projects, including the high-quality protein crystal growth experiment . Further cooperation is expected to extend in the future.