The satellite, named Project Irazú in honor of one of Costa Rican’s iconic volcanoes, was built by the Central American Aeronautics and Space Association (ACAE) and the Costa Rican Technological Institute (TEC).
The specimen is currently living at a UCR terrarium under permanent monitoring and aseptic conditions that are controlled for temperature and humidity. Researchers are preparing her for an amphibian conservation program.
TEC researchers found that blackberries are highly efficient in preventing cell damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the main cause of skin cancer.
The research group already patented their findings, therefore if the project concludes with a commercially distributed antibiotic, recognition and a share of the profits will be distributed equally among the three universities.
The VASIMR engine being developed by Costa Rican physicist Franklin Chang Díaz is one step closer to proving itself the best technology for propelling the next generation of spacecraft.
