Prof. Nandu Goswami

Professor, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences

“In this exciting project, an extensive search of biomarkers from astronauts in existing public health-related databases will be done using AI techniques. This AI project has the potential to create endless possibilities in implementing personalized medicine and new frontiers in human health.”

This project leverages an astronaut database to identify biomarkers predicting health risks during spaceflight and develop personalized medicine solutions for astronauts and terrestrial populations. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-omics approaches, it aims to create an advanced genomics database and foster collaboration between engineers, data scientists, and healthcare professionals. The project will build a MedTech ecosystem connecting Dubai Health, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Science (MBRU) Centers (Space and Aviation Health, Applied and Translational Genomics, Innovation & Technology), UAE institutions (Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and Dubai Health), and international collaborating partners (Canada, UK, Belgium, Austria, Norway, Germany).

The project deliverables include: 1. Enhanced Astronaut Health: Key biomarkers and pathways will be identified to predict and mitigate space-induced health risks, enabling tailored interventions such as personalized nutrition, exercise, or pharmaceuticals. 2. Innovative Personalized Medicine: Biomarkers may translate into therapies for age-related diseases, cancer, and immune disorders, advancing personalized healthcare. 3. Scientific Collaboration: A multi-omics astronaut database will provide researchers with resources for genomics, AI, and personalized medicine discoveries.

The innovative aspects of the project include: 1. Establishing Dubai's first centralized astronaut biobank integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Historical and new UAE astronaut data will be structured for cross-referencing mission metadata and health outcomes. 2. AI-Driven Biomarker Identification: AI models will analyze multi-omics data to detect biomarkers of space-induced health risks. Earth-based datasets will validate these biomarkers for terrestrial applications. 3. Personalized Medicine Application: Risk profiles based on genomic responses will guide individualized interventions.

The potentials for impact include: 1. Discovery of novel biomarkers through SOMA data for understanding spaceflight effects, aging, and chronic illness 2. Networking and training opportunities for Emirati researchers in advanced -omics and AI technologies, enhancing UAE's research capabilities.