Scientists from the University of Life Sciences in Wrocław (UPWr) sent into Space the common fungi of the species Fusarium culmorum. The experiment is part of the project “Bio-nanosatellite using miniaturized lab-on-chip instruments and the methodology of biomedical research with its use in microgravity conditions”.
The project is being implemented by a consortium including SatRevolution, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław University of Technology, Wrocław Medical University and the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
UPWr scientists want to see if the conditions will affect the biology of the fungus they sent into space. This knowledge is important in the context of future attempts to create self-sufficient bases for human life in space. Mushrooms are the precursors of life in every ecosystem and without them, intensive long-term growth of plants is not possible.
