Entries by Ruth Nichols

A new technology holds promise for Lunar nitrogen fertilizers

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Plasma technology utilizes high-energy electrons to make nitrogen and oxygen gases from the atmosphere react with each other in order to produce various nitrogen oxide species. This technology can recreate the essential reactions underlying nitrogen fixation, through which nitrogen found in inert N2 atmospheric gas is converted into readily accessible forms such as nitrogen oxides […]

Review. Growing the future in orbit: Applications of macroalgae for food, air, and life support in space

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Plants and other photoautotrophs have potential to support astronaut needs, including food production, atmospheric and water recycling, and the generation of pharmaceuticals and biofuels. A recent review by Murphy et al. provides a brief historical overview of microalgae and cyanobacteria research in space and highlights the potential of macroalgae such as kelp as promising candidates […]