Melanin protects Cryptococcus neoformans from spaceflight effects.

Radames J B Cordero, Quigly Dragotakes, Phyllis J Friello, Arturo Casadevall

August 2022 Environ Microbiol Rep

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The discussions reveal a strong interest in the protective role of melanin, with comments like 'should biological systems be supercharged with melanin?' indicating curiosity and potential application. The tone varies from casual mentions to more scientific references, reflecting both general curiosity and acknowledgement of the research's significance in space biology.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that melanin enhances survival in space, with some posts suggesting it could be vital for future space exploration.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

There is a high level of curiosity about the role of melanin in spaceflight and biological protection, indicating strong interest.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Posts demonstrate active engagement through questions and references to recent research, though limited detailed analysis is present.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The discussion hints at potential implications for space biology and protective measures, but the overall influence of these discussions remains moderate.

Social Mentions

YouTube

1 Videos

Facebook

2 Posts

Twitter

11 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

136,373

Total Likes

4,878

Extended Reach

154,338

Social Features

14

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Enhancing Space Survival with Melanin in Microorganisms

Enhancing Space Survival with Melanin in Microorganisms

Space is a dangerous place with radiation hazards. Melanin in Cryptococcus neoformans helps protect the yeast from spaceflight stresses, increasing survival chances during long missions. This research highlights melanin's potential for advancing space biological durability.

SciShow

September 25, 2023

136,373 views

  • Alfredo Biagini
    @Bigalfry (Twitter)

    https://t.co/P0MIwmujmG
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    September 26, 2023

  • Alfredo Biagini
    @Bigalfry (Twitter)

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    September 26, 2023

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    Astronauts Need a Better Sunscreen https://t.co/YGxTbM0DEj via @YouTube
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    September 26, 2023

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    Astronauts Need a Better Sunscreen https://t.co/OBmTOy7XPc via @YouTube
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    September 25, 2023

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    @kodiakbear1969 (Twitter)

    SciShow https://t.co/s0cj98zvlE
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    September 25, 2023

  • Arturo Casadevall
    @ACasadevall1 (Twitter)

    RT @JohnsHopkinsMMI: Many thanks to @radajbcordero of @ACasadevall1 Lab for his fantastic talk today to @JohnsHopkinsMMI faculty & students…
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    November 11, 2022

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  • Lisa Brown, PhD
    @DocLBrown2 (Twitter)

    RT @JohnsHopkinsMMI: Many thanks to @radajbcordero of @ACasadevall1 Lab for his fantastic talk today to @JohnsHopkinsMMI faculty & students…
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    November 10, 2022

    4

  • Emma Camacho
    @Emma_BCC (Twitter)

    RT @JohnsHopkinsMMI: Many thanks to @radajbcordero of @ACasadevall1 Lab for his fantastic talk today to @JohnsHopkinsMMI faculty & students…
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    November 10, 2022

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  • Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at JHSPH
    @JohnsHopkinsMMI (Twitter)

    Many thanks to @radajbcordero of @ACasadevall1 Lab for his fantastic talk today to @JohnsHopkinsMMI faculty & students! We learned a lot about this interesting topic & he received many great questions. Read more about the topic in his recent paper: https://t.co/ElseumUw87 https://t.co/vrHLb00j2P
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    November 10, 2022

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  • Fathi
    @FathiKarouia (Twitter)

    To thrive in space should biological systems be supercharged with melanin? Maybe so…Here are new results comparing a fungi in the presence or absence of melanin. Following 29 days aboard the ISS, melanized yeast viability was 50% higher than without. https://t.co/z9JUN94ihI
    view full post

    July 31, 2022

Abstract Synopsis

  • Melanin in Cryptococcus neoformans helps protect the yeast from spaceflight-related stresses, increasing its chances of survival in space conditions.
  • The study compared melanized (pigmented) and nonmelanized yeast clones after a 29-day round trip to the International Space Station, finding melanized yeasts had 50% higher viability.
  • These findings suggest that fungal melanin might be useful for enhancing the durability and lifespan of biological materials or organisms in space exploration.]