为何把脑类器官芯片“送上天”（趣科普）

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of the brain organ chip, which was sent to space aboard the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft, marking the first time such technology has been utilized in a space environment for life sciences research [1][3]. Group 1: Brain Organ Chip Overview - The brain organ chip is a 3D micro-brain model constructed from human pluripotent stem cells, designed to simulate physiological and pathological responses of brain organs [3]. - This chip contains a complex network of brain microvessels, nerve cells, and immune cells, allowing it to mimic certain structures and functions of the human brain, providing a new tool for disease modeling, mechanism research, and drug screening [3]. Group 2: Purpose of Sending to Space - The primary goal of sending the brain organ chip to the space station is to explore the effects of the space environment on human brain health, particularly the impacts of microgravity and radiation on the nervous system [4]. - Research indicates that astronauts often experience symptoms like dizziness, sleep disturbances, and attention deficits, and exposing the brain organ chip to these conditions may help identify underlying mechanisms and potential solutions [4]. Group 3: Broader Implications - The research has implications beyond space, as the unique environment in space can accelerate the onset of aging or functional decline in organisms, providing a unique "accelerated window" for studying diseases that typically take months or years to manifest on Earth [5]. - This could enhance research on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, facilitating early diagnosis and innovative treatment evaluation methods [5]. Group 4: Distinction from Brain-Machine Interfaces - While both brain organ chips and brain-machine interfaces relate to brain function, they serve different purposes; the former focuses on simulating brain structures and functions for research, while the latter is a technology system for interaction between the brain and devices [6]. - Brain organ chips are aimed at understanding brain development, disease research, and drug screening, whereas brain-machine interfaces are designed for human-device interaction, such as controlling prosthetics with thoughts [6].