Northern Ireland’s first astronaut, Dr. Rosemary Coogan, has spoken about the rapid changes in the space industry, as commercial partners play an increasing role in space exploration.

Dr. Coogan, an astrophysicist and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, is currently in the United States undergoing pre-assignment training, which includes rigorous spacewalk preparation. She recently spoke to BBC News NI ahead of her upcoming appearance at the Northern Ireland Science Festival, where she hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Training for Spacewalks

Speaking from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Dr. Coogan described her ongoing training, particularly the challenging spacewalk simulations conducted underwater in a giant pool.

“I absolutely love the water, but it feels nothing like diving,” she explained.

The training environment, which includes a full spacesuit and a replica of the International Space Station (ISS), helps astronauts prepare for the weightless conditions of space.

“You can’t swim in a spacesuit, and in space, there’s nothing to push against. It’s physically demanding, and ironic that a ‘spacewalk’ actually requires so much upper body strength.”

Dr. Coogan’s six-month pre-assignment training follows her basic astronaut training, which she completed last year at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.

A Changing Space Industry

Dr. Coogan also highlighted the growing influence of commercial partners in space exploration, citing recent private space missions as evidence of the industry’s transformation.

“There is a need for strong regulation in both government and commercial sectors, but commercial involvement has enabled new possibilities,” she said.

The landmark landing of a commercial spacecraft on the Moon last year and SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, which featured the first commercial spacewalk, are signs of a new era in space travel. NASA described these developments as “a giant leap forward” for private sector involvement in space exploration.

“We now travel to the ISS using commercial vehicles, and without this partnership, it’s hard to say where we would be today,” Dr. Coogan added.

Science in Space for the Benefit of Earth

Beyond exploration, Dr. Coogan emphasized that space research has direct benefits for life on Earth.

“Scientific experiments in space cannot be replicated anywhere else. Removing gravity entirely is an essential factor in research,” she explained.

While some microgravity experiments can be conducted on Earth, they only last for short periods, limiting their effectiveness.

Dr. Coogan also discussed the growing issue of space debris, urging that new satellites be designed with end-of-life plans to prevent orbital clutter.

“There’s now a push to ensure satellites have de-orbiting plans or can be moved to safer orbits after their missions end,” she said.

Inspiring Future Generations

Dr. Coogan will share more about her experiences at the Northern Ireland Science Festival, where she will speak to the NI Space Office about her journey.

“Engaging with young people is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Schoolchildren have sent in questions, and it’s fascinating to see what interests them. Sometimes, they come up with questions I’ve never imagined before!”

As Dr. Coogan continues her training, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

In the heart of Chhattisgarh, the small village of Tulsi has undergone an extraordinary transformation, emerging as India’s “YouTube Village.” Once a quiet rural outpost, Tulsi is now home to a growing community of content creators, with more than 1,000 villagers actively engaged in producing online videos.

On any given morning, locals gather under banyan trees or in open fields, not just for farm work but to film viral content. Whether it’s YouTuber Jai Varma staging a traditional festival scene or Rajesh Diwar showcasing hip-hop moves, the village has become a microcosm of how social media can reshape economies and societies.

From Farming to Filmmaking

Tulsi’s journey into the digital age began in 2018, when Jai Varma and his friend Gyanendra Shukla launched their YouTube channel, Being Chhattisgarhiya. Their third video—a comedic yet socially relevant piece about Valentine’s Day harassment—went viral, drawing tens of thousands of followers within months.

“We wanted to do something different, something creative,” Varma recalls. Their success soon inspired other villagers, leading to the creation of dozens of new channels. Some focused on comedy sketches, others on cultural performances, and a few, like Pinky Sahoo, used YouTube as a stepping stone to bigger dreams.

The Rise of a Social Media Star

For 27-year-old Pinky Sahoo, YouTube was more than just an entertainment platform—it was her ticket to the film industry. Raised in a conservative rural setting where acting was frowned upon, Sahoo defied expectations by posting dance videos on Instagram and YouTube Shorts.

Her talent caught the attention of Being Chhattisgarhiya, and she soon became a regular in their productions. Her performances then led to a breakthrough role in regional films, making her Tulsi’s first social media star to transition to cinema.

Economic & Social Impact

The financial benefits of YouTube have transformed Tulsi’s local economy. Many villagers now earn a steady income from their videos, reducing reliance on traditional agriculture. Encouraged by this success, the state government set up a modern production studio in Tulsi in 2023, helping bridge the digital divide between urban and rural India.

“It’s not just about money,” says local farmer Netram Yadav, 49. “It’s about giving young people purpose and keeping them away from bad habits.”

As YouTube marks its 20th anniversary in February 2025, Tulsi stands as a testament to the power of digital media—a place where creativity, technology, and opportunity have merged to create an unexpected revolution in the Indian countryside.

Collagen supplements have surged in popularity, with claims that they improve skin elasticity, joint health, and overall well-being. Marketed as a miracle solution for aging, collagen has become a billion-dollar industry. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited and controversial.

What is Collagen and Why Do People Take It?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure to skin, joints, and connective tissues. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, prompting many to turn to supplements to compensate. Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, for example, has made collagen a central part of his longevity regimen, reportedly consuming 25g of collagen peptides daily.

Collagen supplements come from animal sources, including cows, pigs, chickens, and fish. Some products labeled “vegan collagen” do not actually contain collagen but rather collagen-boosting ingredients like vitamin C and amino acids. Experts suggest that a balanced diet may be more effective than plant-based collagen substitutes.

Does Collagen Work? The Science is Inconclusive

While some small-scale studies suggest that collagen supplementation may improve skin hydration and elasticity, major regulatory bodies remain unconvinced. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not approved any health claims related to collagen due to a lack of high-quality research.

According to Andrea Soares, a registered dietitian, one issue is how collagen is absorbed. When consumed, collagen is broken down into amino acids in the stomach, which the body may or may not use to rebuild collagen. Dr. Anjali Mahto, a London-based dermatologist, emphasizes that there is little solid proof that ingested collagen survives digestion and reaches the skin.

Additionally, many collagen studies are funded by supplement companies, raising concerns about industry bias. Rheumatology expert David Hunter notes that conflicts of interest in research can make it difficult to separate marketing from reality.

How to Take Collagen – If You Choose To

For those still interested in collagen supplementation, experts recommend choosing hydrolyzed collagen, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Powders and liquids tend to have higher collagen content compared to gummies or tablets, which often contain added sugars and fillers. A daily dose of 5-10g is generally recommended.

There is also emerging research on combining collagen with exercise. A study led by Robert Erskine at Liverpool John Moores University found that consuming 30g of hydrolyzed collagen with vitamin C before resistance training boosted collagen production. However, the effect was smaller in middle-aged participants, suggesting that age and hormones play a role in collagen synthesis.

The Verdict: Caution Over Claims

Despite glowing endorsements from influencers and supplement companies, collagen’s effectiveness remains scientifically uncertain. While some users report visible benefits, regulatory bodies urge caution, as many claims are not backed by robust evidence. For those looking to support skin and joint health, a protein-rich diet, vitamin C, and regular exercise may be just as effective as pricey supplements.