ISS research on cancer and neurodegenerative therapies returns from Space Station

ISS research on cancer and neurodegenerative therapies returns from Space Station
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 18, 2024

Research aimed at advancing cancer detection, improving treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, and enhancing respiratory therapies successfully returned from the International Space Station (ISS). These projects, sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory, were part of SpaceX's 31st Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission for NASA, which delivered nearly 50 scientific payloads back to Earth.

Bristol Myers Squibb, in collaboration with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Redwire Space, pursued advancements in protein crystallization. This project focused on crystallizing small molecule compounds in microgravity to develop more effective therapeutics. Crystals grown in space often exhibit superior size, order, and morphology compared to those formed on Earth, providing potential improvements in drug development.

Several returning payloads were funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). One investigation from the University of California, Santa Barbara examined how mucus in the human airway influences medication delivery to the lungs. Using gel-coated tubes to simulate the transport of liquid plugs, this research could lead to better treatments for conditions like respiratory distress syndrome, particularly in infants.

Another NSF-supported project, conducted by researchers from the University of Notre Dame, explored the physics of bubble formation in microgravity. The team used light to produce bubbles capable of collecting and depositing trace substances from liquids onto surfaces for analysis. Findings could contribute to developing biosensors for early cancer detection and monitoring trace elements in blood or other fluids.

Additional projects focused on in-space production applications, a strategic priority for NASA and the ISS National Lab. Sachi Bioworks, collaborating with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Space Tango, tested gene-targeting therapeutics on brain organoids. This research aims to advance treatments for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's disease, and aggressive brain tumors like glioblastoma.

Students participating in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18 were also part of this flight. Nearly 40 student teams, including a group from Ohio studying Liquid I.V. powdered hydration on plant cells, conducted experiments to gain real-world scientific experience. The program engaged hundreds of students across grades 5-12, junior colleges, and undergraduate programs, fostering interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The ISS National Lab continues to provide opportunities for groundbreaking research in microgravity to benefit humanity and advance commercial innovation. For more details about the investigations returned on NASA's SpaceX CRS-31 mission, visit the ISS National Lab launch page.