Ribble Endowment Seminar

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"


Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"


Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"


Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"


Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"


Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"Space Medicine and the Future of Human Exploration"


Dr. Afshin Beheshti 
 

Bio:
Afshin Beheshti, PhD is a Professor of Surgery and of Computational & Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School. He serves as Director of the newly launched Space Center for Space Biomedicine and as Associate Director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt​. In addition, Dr. Beheshti holds a visiting scientist appointment at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard​.

Abstract:
Human spaceflight presents significant health challenges driven by microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and other environmental stressors. Recent multi-omics research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is a central biological consequence of space travel, contributing to systemic impacts such as accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, and impaired metabolic function. Data from astronaut missions and ground-based space analogs demonstrate persistent mitochondrial suppression even after returning to Earth. This talk highlights how space serves as a unique accelerated model for studying human diseases and aging, offering insights applicable both to space exploration and terrestrial medicine. Using advanced 3D organoid models and multi-omics analysis, we have identified promising countermeasures, including the natural flavonoid Kaempferol, which restores mitochondrial bioenergetics and reverses radiation-induced gene expression changes in multiple tissues. These findings underscore the critical role of mitochondria as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for sustaining human health in deep space missions, while also advancing precision medicine strategies on Earth.

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"An Active Role for Vision Prior to Eye-opening in Neonates"

D'SouzaDr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

D'Souza PupD'Souza Graphic

 

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"An Active Role for Vision Prior to Eye-opening in Neonates"

D'SouzaDr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

D'Souza PupD'Souza Graphic

 

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"An Active Role for Vision Prior to Eye-opening in Neonates"

D'SouzaDr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

D'Souza PupD'Souza Graphic

 

Date:
Location:
THM 116

"An Active Role for Vision Prior to Eye-opening in Neonates"

D'SouzaDr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

D'Souza PupD'Souza Graphic

 

Date:
Location:
THM 116