Space Innovation Lab

In 2023, Dr. Alsaleh established the UK’s first Space Innovation Lab at the Botnar Institute. This pioneering initiative enables human tissue samples to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS), allowing researchers to study the effects of microgravity in human physiology. Offering valuable insights into aging and age-related diseases, it marks a major advancement in space-based biomedical research.

An intriguing model for understanding the effects of aging-related stress can be observed in astronauts performing extended missions aboard the International Space Station. These individuals often exhibit signs that mimic accelerated aging, characterised by conditions like loss of bone and muscle mass, central nervous system issues, cardiovascular health risks, and dysfunction of the immune system.

Our project aims to uncover how aging progresses under microgravity conditions and explore whether these conditions can accelerate the study of aging processes that would take much longer to observe on Earth. By leveraging the unique environment of the ISS, we hope to gain knowledge that could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating age-related diseases. These discoveries have the potential to significantly enhance quality of life, reducing the burden of aging not only for individuals but also for their families and society as a whole.

Using cutting-edge technologies such as organoids, 3D printing, and mechanical stress testing, we are investigating how aging occurs at the cellular level. Our goal is to identify ways to slow down age-related health issues—whether on Earth or in space.