NASA sends Hawaiian squid into space for research

 This is whyBaby Hawaiian bobtail squids that were raised at the University of Hawaii have been launched into space on a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station for study.

Understanding health

According to researcher Ph.D.Jamie Foster, from the the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science University of Florida, Space Life Science Labcurrently, is studying how a flight in space can affect squids. The study could help understand human health during long space missions.

Low gravity

Squids have a symbiotic relationship with natural bacteria that helps them regulate their bioluminescence. When astronauts are in space, their relationship with microbes change, just like in squids. So, by studying a system as simple as that of a squid, Foster can understand what exactly happens in low gravity.

Dysregulation

Foster also works for NASA as a principal investigator to understand microgravity and how it affects animals and microbes. `As astronauts spend more and more time in space, their immune systems become what's called dysregulated. It doesn't function as well,` Foster said. `Their immune systems don't recognize bacteria as easily. They sometimes get sick.'

Coming back in July

Understanding what happens to squids in space could help us understand how to solve health issues in astronauts. The tiny animals are found in vast numbers in Hawaii and more than 7 centimeters long when they are adults. The squids are expected to return to Earth next month. (AP)