RE: [GZG] Biology in a vacuum

I don't think radiation is as large an issue to PSB, as humans and
Kra'Vak have to deal with the same issue and will probably do something
like have light-weight or active shielding against radiation.  The
Sa'Vasku could incorporate lead or other dense material into their
shells for "space travelers" while "planet dwellers" would be
transported in special compartments that had additional shielding.

If I understand correctly creatures such as the mayfly uses things like
pebbles and sticks bonded with some type of glue to form a protective
casing.  The Sa'Vasku could do something similar to bind large plates
together with their equivalent of spider silk.	At a base chemical level
I don't know if there is a whole lot of difference between a natural
polymer (spider silk) vs. a synthetic one (kevlar), but if such
synthetics are adequate for modern spacesuits, I would think the natural
ones would work just as well.

--Binhan

-----Original Message-----
From: gzg-l-bounces@lists.csua.berkeley.edu
[mailto:gzg-l-bounces@lists.csua.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of Morgan,
Charles
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 10:17 AM
To: gzg-l@lists.csua.berkeley.edu
Subject: Re: [GZG] Biology in a vacuum

Subject: Re: [GZG] Biology in a vacuum

Forgive my first post, but biological organisms can survive if the
tissue is dried or frozen. Rupturing occurs for two possible reasons:
the boiling off of water (or even fats), and the release of gasses
either trapped within the tissues (bubbles) or dissolved in the fluids.
Thus, drying the external layers into a rigid shell, as previously
mentioned, would protect the liquid-filled interiors. Indeed, if the
articulations are done correctly, you could even construct an EVA 'suit'
for some of the travelers. The external shell would resist the expansive
forces of the gasses held within, and protect the water from
flash-boiling (due to solar heating and low pressure). As for radiation
damage, enhanced enzyme function for genetic repair could alleviate much
of that; you could even construct a third DNA strand as a stabilizing
agent, but that's a temporary fix since cells can't do anything when the
genetic information is constrained. 

Charles Morgan, Chairman
Department of Biology
Saint Joseph College
cmorgan@sjc.edu

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