Baby Bloodsuckers in Outer Space Principal Investigators: Julia - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Baby Bloodsuckers in Outer Space Principal Investigators: Julia Ellis, Kasia Kaputska, Gia LaSalle, Bianca Urbina, Lilyana Walsh

• Will microgravity prevent Aedes albopictus mosquitos from developing into pupae? • Probably. • Mosquito larvae float to the surface to breathe and mature into pupae. • Without gravity, they lack a mechanism to float and so cannot breathe. Question and Answer (?) 2

• Volume 1 includes: dry mosquito eggs and nutrients (brewer’s yeast and lab chow, or hamster food). • Volume 2 includes: water and air. • Volume 3 includes: fixative (10% neutral buffered formalin). • Parliamentary experiments have been done to determine the proper volumes for all substances. Experimental Overview 3

• At launch, eggs will be dry. • When Clamp A is released, water will activate development. • Experiment will continue 9 days. • Then astronauts will release Clamp B to stop development and fix mosquitoes when they should have matured into pupae. • Compare results to ground truth experiment. Experimental Overview 4

We were more than happy to be picked to participate in this remarkable event. To even be one of the top three in over 150 projects completed was absolutely tremendous! Initial Feelings 5

Working with Mosquitoes 6

Our Launch Experience 7

Program coordinators: • Jim Flakker • Susan Rembetsy The following Parent Teacher Special thanks to Professor of Biology, Organizations: Livdahl of Clark University,Worcester, • Governor Livingston MA for eggs, nutrients and special • Columbia Middle School guidance . • Thomas P. Hughes Elementary Teacher School Facilitator: • Mountain Park School Pamela • William Woodruff Wilczynski • Mary Kay McMillin 8

Any Questions? 9