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Technologies for Maintaining Animals in Space: Lighting, Air Quality, Noise, Food and WaterIn the terrestrial environment multiple time cues exist. Zeitgebers have been identified and studied for their ability to convey temporal information to various physiological systems, In the microgravity experiment it is necessary to define time cues within the flight hardware prior to flight. During flight if changes in the Circadian System (e.g., mean, phase angle, period) occur this would indicate that the gravity vector is important relative to biological timing. This presentation is concerned with the environmental parameters to support rodent experiments in microgravity. The Animal Enclosure Module (AEM) provides solid food bars and water via lixits ad libitum. Flight animals (Sprague-Dawley rats, 60 - 300g) when compared to ground controls show similar growth (mean growth per day, g +/- SD; flight 5.4 +/- 2.0, ground 5.9 +/- 2.1). Current AEMs use incandescent lighting (approx. 5 Lux). Light emitting diode (LED) arrays are being developed that provide a similar light environment as cool-white fluorescent sources (40 Lux). In ground based tests (12L:12D), these arrays show normal circadian entrainment (Tau = 24.0) with respect to the behavioral responses. measured (drinking, eating, gross locomotor activity). A newly developed ultra high efficiency filter system can entrap all feces, urine and odors from 6 rats for 24 days. Maximum sound level exposure limits (per octave band 22 Hz - 179 kHz) have been established. The AEM will effectively support animal experiments in microgravity.
Document ID
20020033739
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Winget, C. M.
Skidmore, M. G.
Holley, D. C.
Dalton, Bonnie P.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: World Conference on Chronobiology and Chronotherapeutics
Location: Bologna
Country: Italy
Start Date: September 6, 1995
End Date: September 10, 1995
Sponsors: NASA Ames Research Center
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NCC2-779
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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