Exosome based analysis for Space Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome and health risks in space exploration.

Molecular profiling to characterize the effects of environmental exposures is important from the human health and performance as well as the occupational medicine perspective in space exploration. We have developed a novel exosome-based platform that allows profiling of biological processes in the body from a variety of body fluids. The technology is suitable for diagnostic applications as well as studying the pathophysiology of the Space Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome in astronauts and monitoring patients with chronically impaired cerebrospinal fluid drainage or elevated intracranial pressure. In this proof-of-concept, we demonstrate that: (a) exosomes from different biofluids contain a specific population of RNA transcripts; (b) urine collection hardware aboard the ISS is compatible with exosome gene expression technology; (c) cDNA libraries from exosomal RNA can be stored in dry form and at room temperature, representing an interesting option for the creation of longitudinal molecular catalogs that can be stored as a repository for retrospective analysis.

Environmental DNA sampling protocols for the surveillance of marine non-indigenous species in Irish coastal waters.

Understanding the spread and distribution of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) is key when implementing legislation to maintain good ecosystem health. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has shown great potential to detect aquatic organisms in a rapid and cost-effective way, however their applicability to new environments must be validated prior to their implementation. Here, we tested different field sampling methods in combination with eDNA metabarcoding to develop a tool to detect NIS. Large and small volumes of seawater were filtered, in addition to the collection of sediment and horizontal tow net samples at 12 locations across four distinct geographic areas in Ireland. The biggest dissimilarity in the species recovered was found between sediment and town net samples. Tow nets showed to be the most efficient. A total of 357 taxa were identified, including 16 NIS. Fine mesh tow nets were identified as the most cost-efficient for large-scale monitoring and surveillance of NIS.

Don't catch me if you can - Using cabled observatories as multidisciplinary platforms for marine fish community monitoring: An in situ case study combining Underwater Video and environmental DNA data.

Cabled observatories are marine infrastructures equipped with biogeochemical and oceanographic sensors as well as High-Definition video and audio equipment, hence providing unprecedented opportunities to study marine biotic and abiotic components. Additionally, non-invasive monitoring approaches such as environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding have further enhanced the ability to characterize marine life. Although the use of non-invasive tools beholds great potential for the sustainable monitoring of biodiversity and declining natural resources, such techniques are rarely used in parallel and understanding their limitations is challenging. Thus, this study combined Underwater Video (UV) with eDNA metabarcoding data to produce marine fish community profiles over a 2 months period in situ at a cabled observatory in the northeast Atlantic (SmartBay Ireland). By combining both approaches, an increased number of fish could be identified to the species level (total of 22 species), including ecologically and economically important species such as Atlantic cod, whiting, mackerel and monkfish. The eDNA approach alone successfully identified a higher number of species (59%) compared to the UV approach (18%), whereby 23% of species were detected by both methods. The parallel implementation of point collection eDNA and time series UV data not only confirmed expectations of the corroborative effect of using multiple disciplines in fish community composition, but also enabled the assessment of limitations intrinsic to each technique including the identification of false-negative detections in one sampling technology relative to the other. This work showcased the usefulness of cabled observatories as key platforms for in situ empirical assessment of both challenges and prospects of novel technologies in aid to future monitoring of marine life.