Scientists Test Shrimp Feeding in Microgravity for Future Moon Bases

• Researchers at Okayama University of Science are investigating the feasibility of aquaculture in microgravity to support future Moon bases.
• Traditional microgravity experiments are limited by short durations; the team developed a custom-built, high-speed clinostat rotating at 130 rpm to provide prolonged pseudo-weightlessness.

Findings and Observations

• Kuruma Shrimp Experiment: In a 15-minute test, shrimp grasped a plastic mesh net to counteract water flow and fed on pellets positioned directly in front of them rather than hunting.
• Genetic Analysis: After 24 hours of exposure, RNA analysis revealed significant changes in genes governing chitin metabolic processes and cuticle development, indicating biological impact on locomotion and exoskeletons.
• Brine Shrimp (Artemia): Successfully preyed on algae, produced waste, and grew over a continuous 4-day rotation, suggesting the species can thrive in microgravity.

Future Implications

• Distinguishing the effects of water sloshing from microgravity remains a challenge; however, increased feeding activity during stable water phases is promising.
• While fish testing was hindered by camera limitations, the findings contribute to ongoing initiatives like the Lunar Hatch Program and SpaceGenFish, which seek to develop automated aquaculture for space missions.