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Astra Med Research
Ongoing and published research by our team.
Fiorella Villegas Yaranga Research Initiative
Space Biomedicine Program 2026–27 · International Research Collaboration
ASTRA-MED Georgia is proud to introduce the Fiorella Villegas Yaranga Research Initiative, a collaborative space biomedicine research program bringing together emerging researchers from different countries to investigate the physiological and biological implications of spaceflight. Developed through international collaboration with IPEMA and PACS e-Lab, the initiative brings together 23 participants across four dedicated research teams.
23
Participants
4
Research Teams
17
Weeks
5
Webinars
Four Research Teams
Neural Signaling & Brain Plasticity
Investigating changes in synaptic gene expression associated with simulated microgravity through the analysis of mouse brain microarray data, with a focus on the effects of hindlimb unloading.
Cardiac Function & Deconditioning
Exploring cardiovascular adaptations during prolonged bed rest, particularly whether changes in diastolic cardiac function can be reversed following a period of deconditioning.
Brown Fat & Metabolic Adaptation
Examining brown adipose tissue remodeling and the coordination of metabolic responses under spaceflight conditions through the analysis of gene-expression data.
Stem Cells
Investigating human cardiovascular progenitor cells through the analysis of real-time quantitative PCR data obtained from cells flown aboard the International Space Station.
A Structured Research & Training Program
The initiative follows a shared 17-week research roadmap, guiding all four teams through the major stages of scientific investigation — from initial dataset auditing, quality control and literature reviews to statistical analysis, interpretation of findings, manuscript development and journal submission. Each team follows defined milestones and receives guidance from senior research mentors. The program also includes a series of five space medicine webinars for scientific learning and professional development.
In Loving Memory
This initiative carries the name of Fiorella Lilian Villegas Yaranga, a member of our research team whose contribution and presence remain an important part of this program. In her memory, her place in the team is carried forward by her sister, Pamela Villegas Yaranga. Every dataset analyzed, every manuscript submitted, and every webinar held throughout this program is dedicated to her memory.