Effects of high magneto-gravitational environment on silkworm embryogenesis

Zongcheng Tian, Muwang Li, Airong Qian, Huiyun Xu, Zhe Wang, Shengmeng Di, Pengfei Yang, Lifang Hu, Chong Ding, Wei Zhang, Mingzhi Luo, Jing Han, Xiang Gao, Yongping Huang, Peng Shang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of this research was to observe whether silkworm embryos can survive in a high magneto-gravitational environment (HMGE) and what significant phenotype changes can be produced. The hatching rate, hatching time, life span, growth velocity and cocoon weight of silkworm were measured after silkworm embryos were exposed to HMGE (0 g, 12 T; 1 g, 16 T; and 2 g, 12 T) for a period of time. Compared with the control group, 0 g exposure resulted in a lower hatching rate and a shorter life span. Statistically insignificant morphological changes had been observed for larvae growth velocity, incidence of abnormal markings and weight of cocoons. These results suggest that the effect of HMGE on silkworm embryogenesis is not lethal. Bio-effects of silkworm embryogenesis at 0 g in a HMGE were similar with those of space flight. The hatching time, life span and hatching rates of silkworm may be potential phenotype markers related to exposure in a weightless environment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)163-170
Number of pages8
JournalMicrogravity Science and Technology
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010

Keywords

  • High magneto-gravitational environment
  • Levitation
  • Silkworm embryogenesis
  • Simulated weightlessness
  • Superconducting magnet

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