One of the discoveries of microgravity
research that has gathered increasing attention
is the finding that cells can act very differently
in weightlessness than they do in 1 G. For
example, the deadly bacteria salmonella
becomes even more virulent in micro-g. Studying
how this effect occurs has led to insights
into the genes involved in salmonella virulence,
which in turn has led to development of
a vaccine candidate. For details, see Space:
Medicine's final frontier.
Another very promising example involves
the behavior of plant stem cells in micro-g.
On six separate space flights, experiments
by Zero
Gravity Solutions Inc (ZGSI) have shown
that plant stem cells often express otherwise
dormant genes as they try to adapt to their
strange new weightless environment. The
traits that arise from these newly activated
genes can be ones that are of particular
advantage on the ground.
For example, ZGSI has experimented in microgravity
with stem cells of the biofuel plant Jatropha.
This plant produces a berry with nearly
pure jet fuel qualities. However, it only
grows in tropical climates. ZGSI believes
they can develop a new variety using microgravity
exposed stem cells that can grow in cooler
climates such as in Texas. The company will
also be developing
new varieties of other plants such as
banana. papaya, and wheat. Since such varieties
arise from the plants' own genes, they are
not "GM" (Genetically Modified)
plants in which outside genes have been
implanted.
In this video, Zero Gravity Solutions,
Inc. CEO & President, Richard Godwin discusses
"how breeding stem cells in the micro/zero
gravity environment of low earth orbit (ISS)
can provide solutions to cash crop and alternative
energy problems here on Earth".
..
Here are 5
examples of medical discoveries via microgravity
research.
|