NASA scientists are trying to find out if stem cells can indeed multiply and grow faster in space. Space has lower gravitational pull than here on the surface of the Earth and according to a study, it helps the stem cells
For curing and preventing diseases, stem cells are very important technology advancement that was made. There has to be the right amount of human stem cells for it to work, NASA reported. However, as of the moment, there are only a few stem cells made available for research. Now, after the certain study, scientists are sending stem cells to the International Space Station. They will be tested there for cell proliferation if it is indeed faster in microgravity without any dangerous side effects.
Since the space station is the only laboratory with low to zero gravitational pull, most stem cells are sent there. There are many stem cells that grow faster when placed in a place with no gravity, said Abba Zubair, a researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Zubair is the principal investigator for the Microgravity Expanded Stem Cells investigation. Abba is currently cultivating human stem cells aboard the space station for use in clinical trials back on Earth. He has a doctoral degree in transfusion medicine and cell therapy and a doctorate of philosophy in tumor immunology.
Since human stem cells can be programmed to repair and rejuvenate tissue in a person's body, studying it to cure a disease is an important issue. The stem cells can be group into different functions to help a person with his or her disease. It has been proven time and time again that growing human stem cells take weeks to months. If a person needs them right away, it will be a futile wait, stated Phys.org.
"Stem cells are inherently designed to remain at a constant number," Zubair explained. "We need to grow them faster, but without changing their characteristics," Zubair added. He wanted to know if doctors and scientists can use the stem cells that was grown is space to patients. They will study the effects microgravity to the space-grown cells. After they find out the answer, if it is indeed safe, the scientists will replicate the environment and will grow it out fast and in a safe way.
After that, the next stage is trying out those stem cells. The lad-grown stem cells will be compared to the space-grown ones using a stroke victim patient. If everything will be successful, the better it will be.
