Saudi astronaut Rayana Barnavi has completed the implementation of cell science experiments at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in collaboration with the Saudi Space Authority on the International Space Station (ISS). knowledge of the biological changes that occur in the space environment and control the activity of thousands of genes in immune cells undergoing inflammation over time, in addition to the course of pathological processes; For the purpose of prevention and early treatment, the scientific experiments continued for four days under the supervision and follow-up of the research team led by the head of the molecular department and researcher of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Dr. Khaled Saad Abu Khabar and Dr. Wijdan bint Abdul Rahim Al -Ahmadi live from the International Space Station to the NASA-affiliated Biosir Space Technology Center and from Riyadh, Dr. Edward Hitty.
The experiments went through several stages, where the first stage begins with the preparation of live cells in special vessels and keeping them in a cell incubator for 48 hours to adapt to microgravity conditions, and then preparation for the stage before stimulating inflammatory reactions by adding a compound with medicinal properties to inhibit enzymes. stimulating the production of proteins, causing a number of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. The third stage is completed by the addition of an inflammatory catalyst to stimulate biological reactions in the cell. In the fourth step, chemically treated or untreated samples are collected and stored at various times, from half an hour to twenty hours, to monitor changes in the life of the mRNA.
In connection with the experiments carried out aboard the International Space Station (microgravity), Dr. Wijdan Al-Ahmadi will conduct the same experiments in high gravity conditions at the Biosper laboratory, collaborating with NASA, then comprehensively analyze the samples, and then compare the effects of two gravitational microgravity and major on the results.
Practical experiments contribute to a better understanding of human health in space and the identification of biomarkers or potential treatments for inflammatory diseases both in space and on Earth based on biotechnology.
The scientific experiments carried out by the specialist are carried out as part of the Saudi Arabian Astronaut Kingdom Program, one of the most important programs of the National Space Strategy, approved by the Supreme Space Council, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and in the first phase, its goal is to send two astronauts on a manned flight to the International Space Station at an altitude of approximately (420 km) above the Earth’s surface.
It is planned that two Saudi astronauts, together with the mission crew, will conduct 14 groundbreaking microgravity research experiments, which will enhance the role of Saudi research centers in providing scientific influence and confirm the Kingdom’s global position in the field of space. space exploration and service to humanity.
It is noteworthy that the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is one of the most famous hospitals in the world for the provision of specialized medical care (Brand Finance).