Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro

Pós-doutorado

Formação complementar

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Áreas de atuação

Participação em eventos

Participação em bancas

Produções bibliográficas

• FACKRELL, LAURA E. ; HUMPHREY, SAMSON ; LOUREIRO, RAFAEL ; PALMER, ANDREW G. ; LONG-FOX, JARED . Overview and recommendations for research on plants and microbes in regolith-based agriculture. npj Sustainable Agriculture , v. 2, p. 15, 2024.

• CARNEIRO OLIVEIRA, JÉSSICA ; PEREIRA, RENATO CRESPO ; SAWYER JOHNSON, TAYLOR ; LOUREIRO, RAFAEL . Seed Priming with Ulva lactuca L. in Cultivars Grown in Martian and Lunar Regolith Analogues. GRAVITATIONAL AND SPACE RESEARCH , v. 12, p. 77-93, 2024.

• MISRA, GINA ; SMITH, WILLIAM ; GARNER, MADELINE ; LOUREIRO, RAFAEL . Potential Biological Remediation Strategies for Removing Perchlorate from Martian Regolith. New Space-The Journal Of Space Entrepreneurship And Innovation , v. 9, p. 217-227, 2021.

• LOUREIRO, RAFAEL ; MARKOVITCH, OMER ; RILEY, CRYSTAL S ; CLEAVES, H JAMES ; MOGO'ANU, I HARITINA ; PAULINO-LIMA, IVAN G ; MARLOW, JEFFREY J ; SOM, SANJOY M . Perspective: Science policy through public engagement. Science and Public Policy , v. 2, p. 16, 2020.

• LOUREIRO, RAFAEL ; PRADO, FERNANDO F. V. DO ; RIGGIO, GINA . OMNICROP - an integrated systems alternative to ideal crop site localization and cultivation chamber self-management utilizing machine learning. Journal of Crop Improvement , v. 33, p. 110-124, 2019.

• HILLS, DENISE ; HORTON, DANIEL ; LOUREIRO, RAFAEL ; POPENDORF, KIMBERLY ; DOWNS, CHRISTINE ; DOEL, RONALD ; CLEMENT, T. ; KOBELSKI, ADAM . You Should Advocate for Science. EOS Transactions , v. 99, p. 22, 2018.

• HAQQ-MISRA, J. ; SOM, S. ; MULLAN, B. ; Loureiro, R. ; SCHWIETERMAN, E. ; SEYLER, L. ; MOGOSANU, H. ; FRANK, A. ; WOLF, E. ; FORGAN, D. ; COCKELL, C. ; SULLIVAN, W. . The Astrobiology of the Anthropocene. ASTROBIOLOGY , v. 18, p. 52, 2018.

• GUEDES MARROIG, RAFAEL ; RODRIGUES LOUREIRO, RAFAEL ; PERPETUO REIS, RENATA . The effect of Ascophyllum nodosum (Ochrophyta) extract powder on the epibiosis of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta) commercially cultivated on floating rafts. JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY , v. 28, p. 2471-2477, 2016.

• HAFTING, JEFF T. ; CRAIGIE, JAMES S. ; STENGEL, DAGMAR B. ; LOUREIRO, RAFAEL R. ; BUSCHMANN, ALEJANDRO H. ; YARISH, CHARLES ; EDWARDS, MAEVE D. ; Critchley, Alan T. . Prospects and challenges for industrial production of seaweed bioactives. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY , v. 51, p. 821-837, 2015.

• LOUREIRO, RAFAEL ; GACHON, CLAIRE M. M. ; REBOURS, CÉLINE . Seaweed cultivation: potential and challenges of crop domestication at an unprecedented pace. NEW PHYTOLOGIST (ONLINE) , v. 206, p. 489-492, 2015.

• Loureiro, Rafael Rodrigues ; Reis, Renata Perpetuo ; MARROIG, RAFAEL GUEDES . Effect of the commercial extract of the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum Mont. on Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva in situ submitted to lethal temperatures. Journal of Applied Phycology , v. 26, p. 629-634, 2013.

• LOUREIRO, R. R. ; REIS, R. P. ; BERROGAIN, F. D. ; Critchley, Alan T. . Extract powder from the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum (Linnaeus) Le Jolis (AMPEP): a ?vaccine-like? effect on Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva. Journal of Applied Phycology , v. 24, p. 427-432, 2012.

• Reis, Renata Perpetuo ; Loureiro, Rafael Rodrigues ; Mesquita, Frederico Sampaio . Does salinity affect growth and carrageenan yield of Kappaphycus alvarezii (Gigartinales/Rhodophyta)?. Aquaculture Research (Print) , v. 42, p. 1231-1234, 2011.

• Loureiro, Rafael Rodrigues ; Reis, Renata Perpetuo ; Critchley, Alan T. . In vitro cultivation of three Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Areschougiaceae) variants (green, red and brown) exposed to a commercial extract of the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum (Fucaceae, Ochrophyta). Journal of Applied Phycology , v. 22, p. 101-104, 2010.

• LOUREIRO, R. R. ; REIS, R. P. . Efeito do gradiente de salinidade na taxa fotossintética de Polysiphonia subtilissima, Cladophora vagabunda e Ulva flexuosa subsp. flexuosa na Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Rodriguesia , v. 59, p. 291-296, 2008.

• SOM, SANJOY M ; LOUREIRO, R. ; MISRA, GINA . Compendium of Astrobiology Classics: Perspectives on Foundational Texts. 1. ed. , 2019.

• LOUREIRO, R. ; CRITCHLEY, A. T. ; HURTADO, A. . Kappaphycus (Rhodophyta) Cultivation: Problems and the Impacts of Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder. 1. ed. Taylor&Francis, 2014. 398p .

• LOUREIRO, R. ; CORNISH, M. ; NEISH, I. . Applications of Carrageenan: With Special Reference to Iota and Kappa Forms as Derived from the Eucheumatoid Seaweeds. Tropical Seaweed Farming Trends, Problems and Opportunities. 1ed.: Springer International Publishing, 2017, v. , p. 165-171.

• CRITCHLEY, A. T. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; HURTADO, A. . Impacts of AMPEP on Epiphytes and Diseases in Kappaphycus and Eucheuma Cultivation. Tropical Seaweed Farming Trends, Problems and Opportunities. 2ed.: Springer International Publishing, 2017, v. , p. 111-119.

• LOUREIRO, R. ; CRITCHLEY, A. T. ; HURTADO, A. . Analysis by Vibrational Spectroscopy of Seaweed with Potential Use in Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries. Marine Algae. 1ed.: CRC Press, 2014, v. , p. 236-258.

• PALMER, A. ; LOUREIRO, R. . The quest to figure out farming on Mars. MIT technology Review, 17 out. 2024.

• NASSAR, C. A. G. ; LOUREIRO, R. R. ; MARQUES, G. E. . Estudo preliminar das macroalgas da região sublitoranea adjacente à Companhia Siderúrgica de Tubarão (ES). In: II Congresso Brasileiro de Oceanografia-CBO, 2005, Rio de Janeiro. Anais- II Congresso Brasileiro de Oceanografia-CBO, 2005.

• LOUREIRO, R. R. ; NASSAR, C. A. G. . Influência da variação de salinidade na espécie Polysiphonia subtilissima Mont. da Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (RJ). In: XXV Jornada de Iniciação Científica (UFRJ), 2003, Rio de Janeiro. Anais - XXV Jornada de Iniciação Científica, 2003.

• LOUREIRO, R. R. ; NASSAR, C. A. G. . Monitoramento das macroalgas da Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (RJ) após a instalação do sistema de captação de esgoto. Análise preliminar. In: XXIV Jornada de Iniciação Científica, 2002, Rio de Janeiro. Anais- XXIV Jornada de Iniciação Científica, 2002.

• LOUREIRO, R. R. ; NASSAR, C. A. G. . Monitoramento das macroalgas da Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (RJ) após a instalação do sistema de captação de esgoto. In: IX Reunião Brasileira de Ficologia, 2002. Anais- IX Reunião Brasileira de Ficologia, 2002.

• LOUREIRO, R. R. ; NASSAR, C. A. G. . Aspectos fenológicos de Padina gymnospora (Kuetzing) Sonder em 3 pontos do litoral do Espírito Santo. In: XXI Jornada de Iniciação Científica (UFRJ), 1998, Rio de Janeiro. Anais - XXI Jornada de Iniciação Científica (UFRJ), 1998.

• MALO, K. ; LYNCH, K. ; LOPEZ, J. ; SIMPSON, A. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Development of a Rapid 16s rRNA Sequencing Protocol to Monitor Bioremediation of Martian Regolith Simulants for Sustainable Agriculture. In: Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon), 2024, Providence. Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon), 2024.

• DESCENZA, T. ; PALMER, A. ; FACKRELL, LAURA E. ; BENTO, T. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; HUNSUCKER, T. . Comparative Analysis of Hydroponics and Lunar Regolith as Growth Substrates. In: LPI Contributions, 2024, Houston. LPI Contributions, 2024.

• SIMPSON, A. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; LYNCH, K. ; PALMER, A. ; FACKRELL, L. . Biological In-Situ Resource Utilization (BISRU) for Mars?Merging Planetary Science, Space Biology, Microbial Ecology, Agricultural Sciences, and More. In: LPI Contributions, 2024, Houston. LPI Contributions, 2024.

• FACKRELL, LAURA E. ; SIMPSON, A. ; LYNCH, K. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; PALMER, A. . What Lives in Martian Regolith Simulants and Why Does that Matter for Biological ISRU Research. In: LPI Contributions, 2024, Houston. LPI Contributions, 2024.

• LANG, S. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; BUCKNER, A. . GROW (Generational Research on Off-World Yield) - Growth and Yield Assessment of Tomato Variants in LHS-1 Lunar Regolith Simulant. In: ASGSR 2024, 2024, San Juan. ASGSR 2024, 2024.

• BUCKNER, A. ; JOHNSON, T. ; LANG, S. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Evaluating Regolith-Based Agriculture: Insights into an Agriculture-Grade Regolith for Optimum Seed Imbibition and Germination Rates. In: ASGSR 2024, 2024, San Juan. ASGSR 2024, 2024.

• BUCKNER, A. ; LANG, S. ; SIMPSON, A. ; LYNCH, K. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Evaluating Pioneer Plants for Sustainable Regolith-Based Agriculture Systems in Martian Regolith Simulant. In: ASGSR 2024, 2024, San Juan. ASGSR 2024, 2024.

• SIMPSON, A. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; LYNCH, K. . Evaluation of Martian regolith simulant after bioremediation of perchlorate using natural microbial consortia from Mars analog sites on Earth. In: ASGSR 2024, 2024, San Juan. ASGSR 2024, 2024.

• LANG, S. ; BUCKNER, A. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Investigating the Impact of Calcium Levels in Lunar Regolith (LHS1) on the Root Architecture of Arabidopsis thaliana. In: ASGSR 2024, 2024, San Juan. ASGSR 2024, 2024.

• LILAVOIS, S. ; GILAD-MUTH, A. ; HUMPHREY, S. ; CONCOLLATO, L. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; SHELTON, A. ; BOSCH, C. V. . Centralizing Astrobotany Research With The Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database (SALAD) Article Repository. In: ASGSR 2024, 2024, San Juan. ASGSR 2024, 2024.

• PALMER, A. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; FACKRELL, L. ; HUNSUCKER, T. ; BENTO, T. ; DESCENZA, T. . Leading the CHRGE: Comparing Hydroponics and Regolith Growth and Evolution. In: ASGSR 2024, 2024, San Juan. ASGSR 2024, 2024.

• DESTAFINO, M. ; CONCOLLATO, L. ; HUMPHREY, S. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; BOSCH, C. V. ; SHELTON, A. ; MUSZINKY, J. . Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database?(SALAD): Updates and Enhanced Capabilities of a Database and Research Software. In: 2023 ASHS Annual Conference, 2023, Orlando. 2023 ASHS Annual Conference, 2023.

• LYNCH, K. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; SIMPSON, A. . Challenges in Mitigating Martian Regolith Salts for Biological ISRU. In: LPI Contributions, 2023, Houston. LPI Contributions, 2023.

• WHARTON, S. ; LANG, S. ; BUCKNER, A. ; JOHNSON, T. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Effects of Hydroponic Pre-Cultivation Duration on Crop Growth in Lunar Highlands Regolith. In: 2023 ASHS Annual Conference, 2023, Orlando. 2023 ASHS Annual Conference, 2023.

• PALMER, A. ; FACKRELL, L. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; HUNSUCKER, T. . Critical analysis of lunar and Martian regolith-based agriculture to hydroponics for food production. In: ASGSR 2023, 2023, Whashington, D.C.. ASGSR 2023, 2023.

• CONCOLLATO, L. ; LANG, S. ; SHELTON, A. ; HUMPHREY, S. ; DESTAFINO, M. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; BOSCH, C. V. . IGOR: A Unified Platform for Streamlining Data Collection, Analysis, and Submission in Plant Science. In: ASGSR 2023, 2023, Washington, D.C.. ASGSR 2023, 2023.

• RUTLEDGE, R. ; SAWYER JOHNSON, TAYLOR ; LANG, S. ; LOUREIRO, R. . A comparison of regolith simulant granule sizes and their effects on Lactuca sativa L. physiology. In: ASGSR 2023, 2023, Whashington, D.C.. ASGSR 2023, 2023.

• BRUNO-GARCIA, M. ; LANG, S. ; BUCKNER, A. ; LOUREIRO, R. . UNEARTH (lUNar rEgolith trAnsfoRmation TecHnique). In: ASGSR 2023, 2023, Whashington, D.C.. ASGSR 2023, 2023.

• LYNCH, K. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; SIMPSON, A. . Perchlorate bioremediation for Martian regolith-based agriculture using natural microbial consortia from Mars analog sites on Earth. In: ASGSR 2023, 2023, Whashington, D.C.. ASGSR 2023, 2023.

• SHELTON, A. ; BOSCH, C. V. ; HUMPHREY, SAMSON ; CONCOLLATO, L. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; DESTAFINO, M. ; MUSZINKY, J. . ?Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database? (SALAD) Software to Aid Researchers. In: 2022 ASHS Annual Conference, 2022, Chicago. 2022 ASHS Annual Conference, 2022.

• JOHNSON, T. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; RUTLEDGE, R. . Evaluation of the Physiology and Root Morphology of Microgreens and Full-Term crops grown in Lunar and Martian regolith exposed to Lunar and Martian simulated gravity. In: ASGSR 2022, 2022, Houston. ASGSR 2022, 2022.

• CARNEIRO, J. ; JOHNSON, T. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Seed Priming with Ulva lactuca L. in Cultivars Grown in Martian and Lunar Regolith Analogue. In: ASGSR 2022, 2022, Houston. ASGSR 2022, 2022.

• JOHNSON, T. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Applied plant science for crop yield assessment in Lunar regolith. In: Botanical Society of America (Botany 2021), 2021, Anchorage. Botanical Society of America (Botany 2021), 2021.

• SMITH, W. ; GLENN, H. ; LOUREIRO, R. . PRONTO - A standard method to evaluate Physiological Responses Of mooN regoliTh crOps. In: Botanical Society of America (Botany 2020), 2020, Virtual. Botanical Society of America (Botany 2020), 2020.

• HAQQ-MISRA, J. ; LOUREIRO, R. . Dietary quality, carrying capacity, and the evolution of human intelligence. In: 2019 Astrobiology Science Conference, 2019, Seattle. 2019 Astrobiology Science Conference, 2019.

• LOUREIRO, R. R. ; REIS, R. P. ; BERROGAIN, F. D. ; CRITCHLEY, A. T. . AMPEP: A "vaccine-like" effect on Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva. In: 4th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology, 2011, Halifax. 4th Congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology, 2011. v. 4.

• FACKRELL, LAURA E. ; LOUREIRO, R. ; PALMER, A. . Topical: The case for a set of ?best practices? in regolith-based agriculture applied to bioregenerative food systems. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2022 (White Paper).

Outras produções

Projetos de pesquisa

• 2024 - Atual

  LICH - Assessing the Efficacy of Bioleached Nutrients from Lunar Regolith in Hydroponic Systems for Fruit-Bearing and Leafy Green Crops., Descrição: Motivation BackgroundAs humanity ventures beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the successful cultivation of plants for lunar and, later, Mars missions becomes a critical issue for food security and supplemental life support. The ultimate determination of what makes for a 'successful' crop in this environment will not be solely determined by yield but will depend on a multidimensional analysis that includes the overall sustainability of the production process and the management of post-consumption materials (inedible biomass, etc.). While sustainability efforts on Earth have gained considerable attention over the last twenty years, the extreme isolation and limited resources available to future off-world settlements pose a significantly greater challenge. This frontier demands innovative solutions across multiple disciplines if it is to successfully support these missions. Central to establishing independence from Earth will be developing methods to leverage on-site (in situ) resources to supplement plant production. The data generated from this project will be critical to advancing technologies that support human life and sustainability in space, aligning with NASA's broader goals of exploration and long-term human presence on the Moon and beyond.Key ObjectivesThe primary goal of this project is to explore the efficacy of bioleaching processes to extract essential nutrients from lunar regolith. The overall goal is to determine if these bioleached nutrients combined can support sustainable agriculture on the Moon, thereby creating complete Earth independence of resources.Methods and TechniquesTo achieve these objectives, we will employ the following methods:1-Extract nutrients from lunar regolith simulants using a bioleaching technique, which involves using microorganisms specifically adaptable to the chemical and physical composition of LHS-2 lunar regolith simulant to dissolve and mobilize essential elements to promote plant growth; 2- Implement hydroponic cultivation methods under controlled conditions to grow fruit-bearing (Solanum lycopersicum. cv. Tiny Tim) and leafy green ( Lactuca sativa L. cv. Outredgeous) using bioleach enriched water; 3-Conduct experiments to compare plants' growth, yield, and overall physiology (e.g., proteomics and metabolomics) with bioleached nutrients (n=20 plants per treatment--5 plants removed every 10 days for analysis in a period of 60 days /8 weeks): lettuce control (LC), lettuce bioleached (LB), tomato control (TC), tomato bioleached (TB). This setup aims to compare the effects of bioleached nutrients on plant growth and health under controlled environmental conditions.SignificanceThis research is significant to NASA's SMD for several key reasons:1- Growing food in space using locally harnessed resources is crucial for long-term space missions and permanent lunar settlement. This study aligns with NASA's interest in in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and life support systems, as highlighted in NASA's strategic goals 2, 3, and 4, (ii) the Science Mission Directorate's (SMD) and Space Technology Mission Directorate's (STMD) goals, and (iii) the 2023-2032 Decadal Survey's plant biology recommendations; 2- This project promotes sustainable agricultural practices that minimize dependency on Earth-supplied resources by demonstrating the efficacy of lunar regolith bioleached nutrients as a viable source of nutrients for hydroponic systems; 3- This project's findings will contribute to our understanding of plant-microbe interactions and nutrient cycling in hydroponics systems, which are highly relevant and applicable in off-world environments, offering valuable insights for future space agriculture endeavors utilizing closed-looped systems.. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (4) / Mestrado acadêmico: (2) / Doutorado: (1) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Andrew Palmer - Integrante / Anna Simpson - Integrante.

• 2024 - Atual

  ACCLIMATE - Adaptive Crop Cultivation in Lunar Regolith through Multigenerational Analysis of Plant-Microbe Interactions and Transformation., Descrição: This research advances the goals of NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division within the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) by investigating the adaptive potential of crops grown in lunar regolith simulant. By analyzing multigenerational changes in plant morphology, physiology, and regolith transformation, this study supports the development of sustainable, bioregenerative life-support systems critical for long-duration space missions on the Moon and Mars. The project aligns with NASA's strategic objectives for sustainable space exploration, addressing scientific priorities outlined in the 2023-2032 Decadal Survey for Biological and Physical Sciences Research. Additionally, it supports the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) in enhancing in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) capabilities by evaluating the feasibility of regolith-based agriculture, further aligning with NASAs "Science 2020-2024: A Vision for Scientific Excellence.. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (4) / Mestrado acadêmico: (1) / Doutorado: (1) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Andrew Palmer - Integrante / Anna Simpson - Integrante / A'nya Buckner - Integrante / Sarah Lang - Integrante / Brian McAdoo - Integrante / Leon Kelly - Integrante.

• 2023 - 2024

  Evaluating Regolith-Based Agriculture: Insights into an Agriculture-Grade Regolith for Optimum Seed Imbibition and Germination Rates, Descrição: This study leverages advanced methodologies to evaluate the influence of lunar (LHS-2) andMartian (MGS-1) regolith simulants on seeds' imbibition and germination processes. Thisstudy utilized the HYDRUS-2D software for inverse analysis of cumulative seed imbibition curvesunder varied seed water potentials, mirroring the technique for determining the hydraulic propertiesof seeds. This allowed precise quantification of imbibition dynamics across different matricpotentials.. , Situação: Concluído; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (3) / Mestrado acadêmico: (1) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / A'nya Buckner - Integrante / Sarah Lang - Integrante / Taylor Johnson - Integrante / Raven Rutledge - Integrante.

• 2023 - 2024

  GROW (Generational Research on Off-World Yield) - Growth and Yield Assessment of Tomato Variants in LHS-1 Lunar Regolith Simulant, Descrição: As humanity prepares for long-term lunar habitation, developing sustainable agricultural systemsutilizing in situ resources such as lunar regolith becomes imperative. Project GROW aims toevaluate the growth, yield, and adaptability of three tomato variants (Tiny Tim, Midnight Snack, andTiny Tim x Midnight Snack hybrids) over two generations when grown in lunar regolith simulant.In this study, seeds of the selected tomato variants were planted in sterilized lunar regolith simulantand grown under controlled environmental conditions. Customized nutrient solutions and anautomated drip irrigation system ensured consistent moisture levels. Growth parameters weremeasured weekly, including height, leaf count, flower count, and stem diameter. Additionally, fruityield, size, and quality (Brix index) were assessed for each generation. Seed viability was tested forgermination rates and growth performance.. , Situação: Concluído; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (2) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Laura Fackrell - Integrante / Andrew Palmer - Integrante / A'nya Buckner - Integrante / Sarah Lang - Integrante.

• 2022 - 2024

  Evaluating Pioneer Plants for Sustainable Regolith-Based Agriculture Systems in Martian Regolith Simulant, Descrição: Establishing sustainable ecosystems in off-world environments requires identifying pioneer plantspecies capable of thriving in harsh conditions. This study, part of the Plant Trek initiative, aimed toidentify the most reliable initial colonizer between T rifolium repens (White Clover) and Portulacaumbraticola (Wingpod Purslane).. , Situação: Concluído; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (2) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Kennda Lynch - Integrante / Anna Simpson - Integrante / Sarah Lang - Integrante / Taylor Johnson - Integrante.

• 2022 - Atual

  Plant Trek: Investigating Strategies for Regolith Pre-Conditioning to Support the Establishment of Plant-Microbe Systems Martian Habitats., Descrição: This research aims to develop and assess an integrated system approach for pre-conditioning and structuring Martian regolith into agriculturally stable usable soil to support plant growth, sustain microbe-plant interactions, minimize plant stress, and optimize food production life support. As a part of this study, a microbial consortium derived from a natural perchlorate-reducing system will be used as a pre-inoculant to mitigate perchlorate toxins in martian regolith simulant. We will also evaluate the phased approach of introducing pioneer species plant beneficial micro-organisms as an intermediate structure-building step for transforming martian regolith into a viable agricultural substrate that will reduce plant stress and increase seed germination rates and overall biomass production.. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (8) / Mestrado acadêmico: (2) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Kennda Lynch - Integrante / Anna Simpson - Integrante.

• 2022 - Atual

  Performance comparison of microgreens and full-term crops using hydroponics and regolith-based technologies for the Moon and Mars and evaluation of microbial recipes as a controlled means of systems amendment to increase yield and mitigate stress, Descrição: Topic areas: 1.) To compare plant growth between Hydroponic and Regolith-based agriculture (RBA) systems:#8239; Understand the costs and benefits of these two distinct food production strategies; 2.) Comparing plant-microbe interactions and microbiome composition in hydroponic and RBA systems.#8239;These distinct plant growth systems (regolith vs. hydroponics) maintain different microbial consortiums (microbiomes) along the root surface, impacting plant growth, development, and disease resistance; 3.) Cost-benefit analysis of Hydroponic and RBA systems:#8239;Leveraging the information provided by TAs 12, a cost-benefit analysis comparing hydroponics with both lunar and Martian RBA will be conducted. This analysis will include mass-balance calculations considering the following factors: yields of edible biomass, nutrient and water inputs, nutrient loss, and the yield of inedible biomass.. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (8) / Mestrado acadêmico: (1) / Doutorado: (1) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Laura Fackrell - Integrante / Travis Hunsucker - Integrante / Thiara Bento - Integrante / Tyler DeScenza - Integrante / Andrew Palmer - Integrante.

• 2022 - Atual

  Investigating the Impact of Calcium Levels in Lunar Regolith (LHS1) on the Root Architecture of Arabidopsis thaliana, Descrição: The project aims on the effects of elevated calcium levels in Lunar Highlands regolith on auxin pathways that influence the formation of lateral roots and root architecture in plants. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (2) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / A'nya Buckner - Integrante / Sarah Lang - Integrante / Muday Gloria - Integrante.

• 2020 - Atual

  Plant Physiology Imaging Database for Autonomous AI MAnaged pLant Growth chAMbers - AMALGAM, Descrição: Topic Areas: 1.) Use hyperspectral cameras to observe space-flown seeds from dormancy through the reproductive stage. This information is valuable for long-term space efforts, where seed viability is affected by radiation but where astronauts will depend on predictable food production for long-duration missions to Mars. Furthermore, our screening techniques can enhance space-breeding and speed-breeding efforts, benefiting agriculture in space and on Earth; 2.) Design and test an artificial intelligence (AI) model that analyzes hyperspectral data to enable astronauts and growers to analyze, predict, or diagnose complex plant growth responses. This model will also non-destructively measure phytohormonal concentrations within actively growing tissue.. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (8) / Mestrado acadêmico: (1) / Doutorado: (1) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Gioia Massa - Integrante / Trent Smith - Integrante.

• 2019 - Atual

  NASA Kennedy Space Center - Winston-Salem State University Space Act Agreement, Descrição: The Space Act Agreement between NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) facilitates collaborative research to develop and maintain the AMALGAM (Plant Physiology Imaging Database for Autonomous AI Managed Plant Growth Chambers) and SALAD (Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database). NASA will provide data, guidance, and quarterly meetings with WSSU students and faculty, while WSSU will manage the databases, analyze crop and space-flown seed data, and deliver annual publications and presentations. Data produced under the agreement will be protected for five years, fostering advancements in plant physiology and space agriculture while supporting student education and research.. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Gioia Massa - Integrante / Trent Smith - Integrante.

• 2008 - Atual

  SEEDS (Science; Education; Engagement; Dedication; Service) - Collaborators: Space Act Agreement Research, Descrição: Topic areas: 1.) Crop microbiome interaction in regolith (Moon-Mars): Examining the microbial makeup, identification, and retention of ISS microbiome and creating microbial recipes focused on increasing crop yield and mitigating stress following planetary protection restrictions in lunar and martian regolith simulants; 2.) Metatranscirptomic studies to identify the correlations between microbiome makeup and plant omics results; 3.) Creating omic/phenotype models using machine learning approaches to predict plant hormone and root exudate production based on the microbial recipes that will impact the plant yield and overall morphology (e.g., root architecture).. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Pesquisa. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (8) / Mestrado acadêmico: (1) / Doutorado: (1) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Gioia Massa - Integrante / Trent Smith - Integrante.

Projetos de desenvolvimento

• 2022 - Atual

  SALAD - Space Agriculture Laboratory Analysis Database, Descrição: Our database helps researchers understand historic spaceflight data while our wiki provides detailed articles on growth chambers and plants grown in space.. , Situação: Em andamento; Natureza: Desenvolvimento. , Alunos envolvidos: Graduação: (12) / Mestrado acadêmico: (1) . , Integrantes: Rafael Rodrigues Loureiro - Coordenador / Chad Vanden Bosch - Integrante / Annie Shelton - Integrante / Richard Barker - Integrante / Luke Concollato - Integrante.

Prêmios