Stem cells exposed to microgravity express different proteins than those grown in normal gravity, say Australian researchers (…)

Dr Burns, along with graduate researchers Elizabeth Blaber and Helder Marcal, used a NASA rotating-wall vessel to simulate microgravity, which is experienced by astronauts in low Earth orbit, to analyse its effect on human embryonic stem cells.
Stem cells are cells that have yet to differentiate into cells with specialised functions (…)

Associate Professor Ernst Wolvetang of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology at the University of Queensland says while it’s difficult to judge the research prior to publication, it is a “novel idea” (…)
“How relevant this will be to space flight itself is a whole different matter, because we don’t have embryonic stem cells in our adult bodies anymore,” he said.

from http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/28/2698695.htm

Incoming search terms: