Why Guelph, Ont. scientists sent these barley seeds to space
The dream of long-term space missions is contingent on many things, including the ability for astronauts to produce their own fresh food.
The University of Guelph is part of a project exploring the possibilities with one specific crop.
After a year aboard the International Space Station, barley seeds launched into orbit in May 2021 have now returned to Earth.
The seeds were placed on the exterior Misse Platform of the station where they were exposed to extreme temperatures, radiation and zero gravity.
“Just to see how the seeds would fare,” explains Mike Dixon, director of the controlled environment systems research facility at the University of Guelph.
The results were unexpected.
Mike Dixon, director of the controlled environment systems research facility at the University of Guelph appears during an interview with CTV News.
“We were greatly surprised to find that the seeds that came back after being exposed to the external environment of the space station, they actually germinated,” Dixon says. “There was viability in those seeds.”
A few of the seeds are at the University of Guelph where their germination potential and genetics can be studied.
The majority have been returned to the Glenlivit Distillery in Scotland where they originally came from.
Scientists were surprised the seeds germinated after their space voyage. (University of Guelph)
They’ll be planted, harvested and turned into single malt scotch – with an extraterrestrial twist.
But, the scotch will have to age at least three years before it can be formally sampled.
“So we’re going to have to be patient, but we can do that,” Dixon says.
The research is a small step toward the technologies that would be required to eventually grow food in greenhouses on the Moon and Mars. Barley has already been identified as one of a few crops with potential.
“Food determines how far from Earth we can go, and how long we can stay,” Dixon says. “Simple as that.”
The seeds sit beside their certificate of space flight. (University of Guelph)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Family in remote northern Ont. reeling after daughter killed in fire, home destroyed
A family in the remote community of Peawanuck, Ont., is dealing not only with the death of their young daughter, but the loss of everything they owned in a Jan. 28 house fire.

'Laverne & Shirley' actor Cindy Williams dies at 75
Cindy Williams, who was among the most recognizable stars in America in the 1970s and 80s for her role as Shirley opposite Penny Marshall's Laverne on the beloved sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley,' has died, her family said Monday.
Why adding a bit of milk to your morning coffee might be good for you
Adding some milk to your morning coffee may boost the body's anti-inflammatory response, new research out of Denmark shows.
A short-lived 'punch in the face' cold snap is coming for Eastern Canada
The beginning of February is expected to bring Arctic-like temperatures across much of Eastern Canada, thanks to frigid air from the polar vortex. The cold snap will descend on Eastern Canada this week, with temperatures becoming seasonable again on Sunday. In between, much of Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada can expect the coldest days yet this winter.
Late Jean Vanier sexually abused 25 women, says non-profit he founded
A report commissioned by a non-profit organization founded by the late Jean Vanier says the Canadian sexually abused 25 women during his decades with the group.
Girl, 6, dies after T-bar lift incident at Quebec ski resort
A six-year-old girl died in hospital Sunday night after being involved in an incident at the Val-Saint-Côme ski resort in Lanaudiere. Quebec police are investigating, though details into the event are not yet known. Officers indicated that it involved a T-bar lift, but they were not able to say more.
Mindbender roller coaster closed after 37 years at West Edmonton Mall
The Mindbender roller coaster at Galaxyland has been shut down, West Edmonton Mall announced on Monday. The redevelopment of the area is already underway, and the roller coaster is being decommissioned and removed.
Nike sues Lululemon, says footwear infringes patents
Nike sued Lululemon Athletica on Monday, saying that at least four of the Canadian athletic apparel company's footwear products infringe its patents.
'Just incredible': Winnipegger and former teammate remembers Bobby Hull
Without Bobby Hull, the Winnipeg Jets wouldn’t be in the NHL right now. That’s how one of his former teammates feels about the late Jets forward.