Research Seeks to Identify Sustainable,
Algae-based Solutions to Help Support Astronauts on Prolonged
Missions
CHARLES
TOWN, W.Va., Sept. 12,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public University
System (APUS) today announced that the Spirulina Algae Group,
part of the University's Supernova Search Group, has received
a NASA research grant to study the use of spirulina, a blue-green
algae, for growing plants in space environments. The research
focuses on the use of Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica®1,
scientifically known as Arthrospira platensis, to help
support plant health, nutritional value, and production rates for
many plants in similar conditions to Mars and the
Moon.
The Supernova Search Group deduced that future human settlements
on the Moon and Mars will need to find ways to grow plants in soil
environments (known as regolith) that have no organic material and
do not typically support plant growth. The research seeks to
identify sustainable solutions to help support astronauts on
prolonged missions using algae-based systems.
"We are honored to be awarded a prestigious NASA research grant,
and the funds will enable us to perform a comprehensive study on
this important issue in space exploration," said Dr. Kristen Miller, an APUS professor who, along
with STEM Department Chair Dr. Edward
Albin, created the Supernova Search Group.
The research, funded by NASA's Established Program to Stimulate
Competitive Research (EPSCoR), will help in NASA's development
of an outer space settlement capable of growing its own food and
supporting human life. The Spirulina Group includes Dr. Miller,
American Public University undergraduate student Emma Follis; American Military University alums
Terry Trevino and Dr. Larry Harrison (professor, University of
Hawaii); Erin Stamper (Cyanotech Corporation); and Dr.
Brian Murphy (West Hawaii
Explorations Academy).
"We're very excited about what the future holds for this
dynamic, faculty-led student research team," said APUS Provost Dr.
Elizabeth Johnson. "This year-long
project enables our undergraduate and graduate astronomy students
to gain invaluable research experience."
The Spirulina Group chose spirulina algae for its many useful
properties, including temperature and radiation resistance, and an
ability to reclaim wastewater. The microalgae has been shown to
support plant health in highly alkaline soils that pose similar
conditions to those on the Moon and Mars.
"Spirulina has sustained life forms over billions of years here
on Earth, and is heralded as a nutrient-rich human superfood
today," said Collette Kakuk, Chief
Strategic & Commercial Officer of Cyanotech, which supplies the
Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica for the project through a
partnership with the Group. "Its selection for this important NASA
sponsored research into how Hawaiian Spirulina can nourish and
fortify the health of other plants in extraterrestrial environments
underscores its enduring significance and value."
Dr. Miller worked with AMU graduate student Terry Trevino to launch a pilot study examining
how spirulina could be used as a biofertilizer to support the
healthy growth of vascular plants in simulated martian regolith.
This initial study, conducted in partnership with APUS' Analog
Research Group (AARG) at the Inflatable Lunar/Mars Analog
Habitat (ILMAH), operated by the University of North Dakota (UND) Human Spaceflight
Laboratory, led to APUS receiving the NASA EPSCoR Rapid Response
Research (R3) grant through the West Virginia Space Grant
Consortium.
To learn more about the study and APUS's Space Studies program,
visit here. To learn more about the AARG group, visit here.
About American Public University System
American
Public University System (APUS) delivers affordable,
high-quality, workforce-relevant higher education. With a vibrant,
diverse, and inclusive, 31-year history and over 135,000
alumni from more than 100 countries, APUS is recognized for its
innovative approach to online learning. APUS is in the top 11% for
students' return on educational investment, compared to 4,500
colleges and universities nationwide, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the
Workforce (2022)2.
APUS, which includes American Military University (AMU) and
American Public University (APU), is accredited by
the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional
accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education. APUS is a wholly owned subsidiary of American
Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information,
visit www.apus.edu.
About Cyanotech
Cyanotech Corporation, a
world leader in microalgae technology for more than 30 years,
produces BioAstin® Hawaiian
Astaxanthin® and Hawaiian Spirulina
Pacifica®2. These all-natural, dietary
ingredients and supplements leverage our experience and reputation
for quality, building nutritional brands which promote health and
well-being. The Company's mission is to fulfill the promise of
whole health through Hawaiian microalgae.
Cyanotech's BioAstin® offers superior
antioxidant activity which supports skin, eye and joint health, as
well as recovery from exercise*. Cyanotech's Spirulina products
offer nutrition that supports cardiovascular health and immunity*.
All Cyanotech products are produced from microalgae grown at our
96-acre facility in Kona, Hawaii
using patented and proprietary technology and are Generally
Recognized as Safe ("GRAS") for use in food products. Cyanotech
sells its products direct to consumers at retail locations in
the United States and online at
www.nutrex-hawaii.com and also distributes to dietary supplement,
nutraceutical and cosmeceutical manufacturers and marketers. The
Company is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Visit
www.cyanotech.com for more information.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
1Hawaiian
Spirulina® is a registered trademark of Cyanotech
Corporation.
2Ranking based on 20-year
net present value (NPV)
https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/.
CONTACT
Frank Tutalo,
Public Relations Director, APUS
FTutalo@apei.com
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SOURCE American Public University System