Further Aspects for the Foundation of A Conceptual Framework for Systems Life Science Under Space Conditions

Abstract

A strong impetus for the elaboration of a conceptual framework for integrative research under space conditions is clearly noticeable. A group of space-experienced investigators forwarded explicitly a request to the scientific community for such a conceptual framework [Goswami et al., 2012]. The EU funded THESEUS project (Towards Human Exploration of Space: a EUropean Strategy, http://www.theseus-eu.org/home.html) favors integrated physiology. A central method for setting up a conceptual framework is basically the elaboration of an integrated set of terms (concepts) and developing tools (like a markup language-based system) to implement the term set. The approach of Andrew McCulloch et al. [Hunter et al, 2006] for human physiology with six levels for multi-level integration (from the gene to the whole human body level) is extended here by two additional levels. For human physiology research in the context of space exploitation, first at all, a further level beyond the whole human body level is required, namely a human - environment level. Furthermore, arguments for a division of the molecular level into a molecular and an atomic level are put forward, e.g. for discussing electron configurations of free radicals. Essential terms of system theory (subsystem, structure, function, process, system environment, etc.) are introduced, complementing the main terms LEVEL and SCALE to comprise core elements of the framework proposal. The advancement reported is centered round a more rigorous definition of the term LEVEL, derived from an understanding of the system of interest (e.g. a bone cell) and setting levels via an embedded hierarchy of systems/subsystems. However, the full-flagged elaboration of a conceptual framework has to be organized as community-led, open project, similar to the way topical ontology groups are organized (compare with the approach of the Environment Ontology group, www.environmentontology.org).So far, the proposed core set of elements for the requested conceptual framework are exemplified with applications cases (e.g. space habitats and algae phenols, the world of picoNewtons in the microenvironment of osteocytes, unpaired electrons and the effects of free radicals for microbe control). The applications cases are interlinked with a recurrent theme: reactive species and antioxidants. A new relationship between hypothesis- (theory- and model-) driven und data-driven research is seen in the way that an iterative evolutionary alignment is needed, especially in the context of the rising importance of high throughput omics, combinatory screening, data-mining and meta-analysis.