Survey of the vestibulum, and behavior of xenopus laevis larvae developed during a 7-days space flight

摘要: Abstract Aquatic animals have almost no body weight related proprioception for spatial orientation. Xenopus larvae, like fish, maintain their attitude in water by continuous correction with fin(s). For these reasons a special performance of the equilibrium system compared to terrestrial is necessary. Evidently fish therefore more compact (dense) otoliths; larvae less dense otolith (membranes) similar land vertebrates; but sacculus-otoliths are vertically positioned, which also may lead higher g-sensitivity. plausibility gravity should influence embryonic development receptors. Yet, evaluations photographs taken from surface cut deep-frozen objects incident light show aberration shape whole vestibulum and shape, density, size position membrane developed under near-zero g (NEXPA-BW-STATEX D1-Mission). The further evaluation “weightless-larvae” revealed probably not yet described statolith-like formation dorsal wall vestibulum. In weightless this outnumbers, qualitatively, strongly 1-g controls. An extra result lack striking effects cosmic radiation on flown eggs. swimming behavior was observed about one hour after landing Space Shuttle showed typical anomaly (loop swimming), known clinostat or aboard Apollo capsules.