Advanced culturing methods and DNA sequencing have uncovered a previously hidden ecosystem the urobiome made up of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that quietly inhabit the bladder and urinary tract. Now one of the first studies focused on this microbiome in children is taking an extraordinary leap: into space.

Dr. Tanya Sysoeva a microbiology professor at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has discovered that the urobiome begins forming early in life influenced by a child’s earliest urologic experiences. Her groundbreaking research is now entering a new chapter beyond Earth's boundaries.

On April 21 at 4:15 A.M. EDT samples from the UAH Biology Sysoeva Lab will launch aboard NASA’s SpaceX CRS-32 resupply mission to the International Space Station. The mission will support the Genetic Exchange in Microgravity for Biofilm Bioremediation (GEM-B2) experiment.

The GEM-B2 experiment is a collaborative effort involving UAH NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Texas State University and Bioserve and is designed to investigate how microgravity impacts gene transfer between microbial cells.

While studies on Earth have shown that biofilms can enhance conjugation frequency this research will delve into how microgravity specifically influences that gene exchange. The ultimate aim is to develop a bioremediation strategy to mitigate or prevent biofilm buildup in the water recovery systems aboard the International Space Station and future habitats like the Artemis Lunar Gateway. The GEM-B2 payload marks a pioneering step in examining bacterial conjugative gene transfer in microgravity using two broad-host-range conjugative plasmids.

Elainie Briggs a Ph.D. candidate in Biotechnology Science and Engineering at UAH reflects on her journey with wonder. This experience has been completely surreal she says. My earliest connection to space was stargazing with my dad through his telescope. I never imagined I’d one day contribute to space science and exploration.

In my early academic years I thought I’d quietly contribute to science doing solid work but blending into the background of progress says Elainie Briggs. Now as part of the NASA POLARIS GEM-B2 spaceflight project she sees her role differently.  

I get to be something more she explains. I’m an ambitious microbiologist helping shape the future contributing to research that could reach far beyond Earth. Through this experiment on bacterial gene transfer I’m not just learning I’m helping push the boundaries of space biology.

Also playing a key role in the GEM-B2 experiment is Amy LeBleu-DeBortola a fellow Ph.D. student in the Biotechnology Science and Engineering program at UAH. For her the project is the fulfillment of a long-held dream.  

I’ve been fascinated by space for over 18 years she shares tracing her passion back to childhood visits to Huntsville. Huntsville is where I first caught Rocket Fever after attending Space Camp. 

Source: https://www.uah.edu/science/science-news/19429-uah-microbiome-experiment-heads-to-the-iss