Life Sciences Laboratory (LSL)
C
Overview
The Molecular and Microbiology Laboratories are engaged in payload processing, research, and technology development for the detection, enumeration, identification, and control of microorganisms and microbial processes for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), space habitats, and space agricultural. The two laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for DNA and RNA ‘Omics’ sequencing and molecular biology, bacterial enumeration, microbial identification, and biological imaging. Advanced microbial monitoring technologies for wastewater processing systems, (include testing of a portable quantitative PCR unit for use on the ISS), assessing microbial loads and risks for food crops grown in space, and the microbial risks associated with solid waste management for human exploration of space.
SME Expertise: Omics interpretation and data sequencing of microbiome communities from multiple hosts or environmental habitats, including: water, soil, plants, and biofilm; Microbial culturing and microbe quantitation; Methods development for sanitization and laboratory safety.
