United Kingdom · Regional Lead · 2026-10-23
UK research update describes space-grown crystals for future drug formulations
BioOrbit’s orbital manufacturing work remains research toward potential therapies, rather than an approved treatment for patients.
UK Research and Innovation reported October 23 on BioOrbit’s completed pharmaceutical research mission to the International Space Station. The UK company is studying whether microgravity can support production of concentrated protein crystals that are difficult to manufacture under conditions on Earth.
Its Baby BOX-E platform launched in May and spent approximately six weeks in orbit, according to UKRI. The research explored crystal formation as a possible route to more stable, concentrated formulations. The report also describes a £9.8 million seed funding round supporting the company’s development.
BioOrbit received support through the European Space Agency’s UK business incubation program, delivered with the Science and Technology Facilities Council and other partners. The company has been developing the specialist systems required for orbital manufacturing experiments since joining that program in 2023.
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Science · 2026-10-26
NASA details expanded agricultural data cooperation with USDA
The October 26 release describes an agreement signed October 24 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
NASA announced October 26 that it and the U.S. Department of Agriculture had signed a memorandum expanding cooperation on Earth observation and agricultural data. The agreement was signed October 24 during an event at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
The agencies plan to align satellite observations, geospatial analysis and advanced data tools more closely with agricultural needs. Potential areas include crop monitoring, acreage and yield estimation, drought assessment and other natural-hazard applications. The work supports USDA’s broader data-modernization effort.
Read articleNation · 2026-10-25
Sunday fire report records lighter initial attack as eight large fires remain uncontained
The October 25 federal snapshot lists 33 initial-attack fires and 1,225 personnel assigned to reported active incidents.
The National Interagency Coordination Center’s October 25 report records light initial-attack activity, with 33 fires in the preceding reporting period. Eight large fires remain uncontained, while national preparedness is listed at Level 1. The bulletin was issued at 7:30 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time.
The active-incident resource summary lists 1,225 personnel, down 49 from the preceding report. It also records 19 crews, 68 engines and eight helicopters. These figures cover the incidents represented in that table rather than every firefighter or emergency resource operating nationwide.
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