Fungal Research in Microgravity: The Biotechnological Promise of Fungi for Space Applications

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Astrobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2024) | Viewed by 213

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, USA
Interests: planetary protection; extremophiles; fungi; secondary metabolites; space biology

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
Interests: fungi; secondary metabolites; space biology; Aspergillus; genetic engineering

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Guest Editor
German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology, Linder Hoehe, 51147 Cologne, Germany
Interests: space biology; biotechnology; Aspergillus; microgravity; biomining; astronaut health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Space captivates the scientific community as it presents unparalleled environmental challenges, spanning from enhanced irradiation to microgravity. While a considerable body of research has explored the adaptive responses of various life forms—bacteria, yeast, and plants—to these unique conditions, there remains an intriguing yet comparatively understudied group: fungi. These resilient organisms, renowned for their ability to not only survive but also flourish in some of Earth's harshest niches, hold significant promise for biotechnological advancements in space exploration. The potential that fungi possess, both in survival and functional capacities, may well be instrumental in shaping the trajectory of future space exploration. Therefore, studying mycology in extraterrestrial settings is not only a scientific imperative but also a broader call to unlock potential tools and solutions for space missions.

We therefore invite scholars to shed light on this critical topic, emphasizing its relevance and the groundbreaking possibilities it holds.

Dr. Adriana Gori (Blachowicz)
Prof. Dr. Clay C.C. Wang
Dr. Marta Cortesao
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • fungi
  • space biology
  • biotechnology
  • keyword
  • microgravity
  • extreme environment

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