Chang’E 4 is the first mission to the far side of the Moon and consists of a lander, a rover, and a relay spacecraft. Lander and rover were launched at 18:23 UTC on December 7, 2018 and landed in the von Kármán crater at 02:26 UTC on January 3, 2019. Here we describe the Lunar Lander Neutron & Dosimetry experiment (LND) which is part of the Chang’E 4 Lander scientific payload. Its chief scientific goal is to obtain first active dosimetric measurements on the surface of the Moon. LND also provides observations of fast neutrons which are a result of the interaction of high-energy particle radiation with the lunar regolith and of their thermalized counterpart, thermal neutrons, which are a sensitive indicator of subsurface water content.

This article introduces 'Tox-Box', a joint research project designed to develop a holistic approach towards a harmonized testing strategy for exposure-and hazard-based risk management of anthropogenic trace substances in drinking water to secure a long-term drinking water supply. The main task of the Tox-Box consortium is to enhance the existing health-related indicator value concept (German: GOW-Konzept -Gesundheitlicher Orientierungswert) through development and prioritization of additional end point-related testing strategies for genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, germ cell damage, and endocrine effects. In this context, substance-specific modes of action will be identified and characterized. Toxicological data collected by the 12 Tox-Box subprojects will be evaluated and weighted to structure a hierarchical testing strategy for an improved risk assessment. A technical guidance document for exposure and hazard-based risk management of anthropogenic trace substances in drinking water will eventually be prepared.

The extraordinary conditions of space, especially microgravity, are utilized for research in various disciplines of space life sciences. This research that should unravel -above all -the role of gravity for the origin, evolution, and future of life as well as for the development and orientation of organisms up to humans, has only become possible with the advent of (human) spaceflight some 50 years ago. Today, the focus in space life sciences is 1) on the acquisition of knowledge that leads to answers to fundamental scientific questions in gravitational and astrobiology, human physiology and operational medicine as well as 2) on generating applications based upon the results of space experiments and new developments e.g. in noninvasive medical diagnostics for the benefit of humans on Earth. The idea behind this series is to reach not only space experts, but also and above all scientists from various biological, biotechnological and medical fields, who can make use of the results found in space for their own research. SpringerBriefs in Space Life Sciences addresses professors, students and undergraduates in biology, biotechnology and human physiology, medical doctors, and laymen interested in space research. The Series is initiated and supervised by Dr. Günter Ruyters and Dr. Markus Braun from the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Since the German Space Life Sciences Program celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012, it seemed an appropriate time to start summarizing -with the help of scientific experts from the various areas -the achievements of the program from the point of view of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) especially in its role as German Space Administration that defines and implements the space activities on behalf of the German government.

This series aims at the measurement of flame generated nanoparticles and an assessment of their biological effects. In the present part a brief review is given on previous papers dealing with nanoparticles with emphasis on detection through various methods. A more detailed account is provided of own measurements using photo ionization mass spectrometry. This includes photo fragmentation, spectra of low pressure flames, coagulation effects, and nanoparticle measurements in the exhaust gas of a sooting normal pressure premixed flame well outside of the visible zone. A model on nanoparticle formation is discussed as are its implications on emissions of vehicle engines.

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