XROOTS eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System

https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8088 The eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System (XROOTS) investigation uses hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow plants without soil or other growth media and evaluates the plant life cycle from seed germination through maturity. An equipment malfunction that limited operations of an initial investigation in 2022 has been resolved and this second flight tests automated fluid recovery as well as redesigns of root and shoot interfaces and seed cartridges. Results could identify suitable methods for larger scale crop production on future space missions and improve agricultural production in certain settings on Earth.

NASA Astronaut Chris Williams Closes Out Space Station Mission

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/nasa-astronaut-chris-williams-closes-out-space-station-mission/ After eight months aboard the International Space Station for his first mission, NASA astronaut Chris Williams is preparing to return to Earth. During his assignment, Williams contributed to research for new cancer treatments, advanced the production of materials to improve computers and electronics, ventured into the vacuum of space to complete two spacewalks, and much more. Williams’ work aboard the space station helped to improve life on Earth and prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Station Research News The latest news on scientific research, crew activities, and milestones on the space station.

https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/space-station-research-and-technology/latest-news-from-space-station-research/

Week Ends Aboard Station With Robotics, Spacewalk Reviews, and Science

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/ Expedition 75 ended the week studying Canadarm2 robotic arm maneuvers and reviewing procedures for a spacewalk to support the removal and replacement of a space-to-ground antenna on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Science remained on Friday’s schedule as the International Space Station residents studied space exercise techniques, explored aerodynamic drag forces, and more.

Advanced Mini-laboratories Automate Space Station Research

https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/advanced-mini-laboratories-automate-space-station-research/ The International Space Station hosts hundreds of science experiments at a time. Some experiments can take hours to perform, and researchers need to account for astronauts’ limited time. Fully automated devices, like Redwire’s ADvanced Space Experiment Processors (ADSEPs), have been designed to conduct more space science with less crew time.

Extreme evolution: The animals evolving at super speed to survive

https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20260805-the-animals-evolving-at-super-speed-to-survive Humans have become one of the world's greatest evolutionary forces. To survive our cities, animals from urban foxes to glass-climbing lizards are responding with extreme adaptation. The move into urban environments has forced some wild species to adapt — and fast. Some lizards in Puerto Rican cities appear to have evolved longer limbs and grippier toes in a matter of years, and raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the United States are showing signs of domestication, such as a shorter snout. But not all animals are capable of such rapid change, and researchers suggest that those that can more easily shift their behaviour to meet the demands of urban living stand a better chance.

Why environmental treaties must also address mental health Global conventions have mainly overlooked the psychological and social impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Here’s how to change that. By Manasi Kumar, Tunde M. Ojo, Zeinab Hijazi, Cromwell Lukorito, James M. Hassell, Alkomiet Hasan, Jurjen J. Luykx & Lasse Brandt

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02450-3?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=857ea76744-nature-briefing-daily-20260812&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-50432164 Environmental treaties should be recognized as tools that could shape mental health and psychosocial well-being before clinical intervention is needed, argues a group of climate scientists, psychiatrists and public-health researchers. Exposure to pollutants and the depletion of natural resources can increase the risk of mental-health conditions, but the impact on mental health of environmental interventions is rarely reported on. The authors suggest that policymakers examine existing environmental conventions to identify cases for which mental-health integration is most actionable and the resources needed to do so.