Such simulators do not abolish the 1 g force of gravity but instead either randomize the direction of gravity with respect to the sample over time (omnilateral stimulation-clinostat principle) or compensate the gravity force by creating a counteracting force (magnetic levitation). Since the introduction of the classical clinostat in 1879 by Julius Sachs, a number of GBFs have been designed to simulate the condition of “weightlessness” or “free fall” in laboratories on Earth.
This strongly emphasizes the need for ground-based facilities (GBFs) to define baselines and enable thorough testing of the biological system to address gravity-related issues prior to space experiments. While the currently applied “-omics” technologies produce huge amounts of data, it remains unclear up to now what exactly to look for. In addition, clear-cut distinctions between gravity-related effects and stress responses to free-fall conditions are lacking.
#Gravity lab simulation series
This is mainly due to the fact that access to flight opportunities is scarce, and performing a sufficient number of experiments or even a series of succeeding experiments has been realized only sporadically. These processes, however, are far from being fully understood. R esearch under the conditions of microgravity during space missions has contributed greatly to our knowledge of the impact of gravity on biological processes, gravity-sensing mechanisms, and gravity-mediated orientation of organisms in their spatial environment. Key Words: 2-D clinostat-3-D clinostat-Gravity-Magnetic levitation-Random positioning machine-Simulated microgravity-Space biology. In addition, current heterogeneous terminology is discussed critically, and recommendations are given for appropriate selection of adequate simulators and consistent use of nomenclature. The range of applicability of the various ground-based microgravity simulators for biological specimens was carefully evaluated by using organisms that have been studied extensively under the conditions of real microgravity in space. This comparative study gives an overview of the most frequently used microgravity simulators and demonstrates their individual capacities and limitations. The various microgravity simulators that are frequently used by gravitational biologists are based on different physical principles. Ground-based simulators of microgravity are valuable tools for preparing spaceflight experiments, but they also facilitate stand-alone studies and thus provide additional and cost-efficient platforms for gravitational research. However, research in the near-Earth orbit is severely constrained by the limited number of flight opportunities. Research in microgravity is indispensable to disclose the impact of gravity on biological processes and organisms.
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