Advertisement

Updated March 16th, 2020 at 12:25 IST

ISS scientists will now grow human organs with stem cells in space; Learn how

ISS scientist are all set to experiment on stem cells in zero gravity to grow human organs. Check out how they are planning to do it and how will it help us.

Reported by: Yash Tripathi
iss
| Image:self
Advertisement

Astronauts in the International Space Station are known to do some amazing research and experiments such as testing the impact of space on the human body, bacteria and other organisms as well as the effects of microgravity. These experiments cannot be tested on the Earth and so ISS scientists commenced their experiments on the lower orbit of the Earth in the year 2000. In the past, ISS experiments included growing lettuce in low gravity and the researchers successfully monitored how cells work in conditions apart from Earth. Now, the International Space Station is going to conduct experiments to understand how human cells function in low gravity.

Also Read | SpaceX plans to send tourists to International Space Station by 2021

ISS experiments on stem cells to grow tissue implants in zero gravity

Source: ISS TWITTER

The ISS is going to experiment on stem cells collected from several patients from Earth. NASA received a shipment of 250 test tubes from SpaceX’s CRS-20 resupply mission. These test tubes contained adult stem cells collected from several patients. The shipment was launched SpaceX’s CRS-20 on March 7, 2020.

According to scientists, the stem cells will naturally form themselves into three-dimensional tissues with the help of zero gravity. On Earth, these tissues are generally flat and called 'monolayer' which hinders such experiments.

Source: CubeLab Space Tango

These ISS experiments are getting conducted in 'CubeLab Module' which is a small laboratory created by the company 'Space Tango'. This tiny lab contains an enclosed sterile system which will assist these cells to grow at a constant temperature.

Also Read | Astronauts grow 'nutritious' red lettuce aboard International Space Station

How will this ISS experiments on stem cells in zero gravity help humanity?

These ISS experiments will help scientists to grow tissue implants like liver cells, cartilage, bones and more from stem cells. This will not only help them to grow human organs but it will also aid in eliminating the use of animal organs for testing. 

Speaking of which, Professor Oliver Ullrich at UZH Space Hub said in a statement, "Artificially produced autologous human tissue could be used to determine which combination of drugs is the most suitable for the patient in question. In addition, human tissue and organ-like structures produced in space could help to reduce the number of animal experiments."

Also Read | SpaceX plans to send tourists to International Space Station by 2021

The ISS will observe the growth of the stem cells for a month and after that, the samples will be sent back to Earth and the scientists will conclude their experiment. The small laboratory will be converted into a larger one if the conclusion of the test project is successful. Ullrich also mentioned in his statement that, "In a few decades, humankind will use the low Earth orbit as a routine place for research, development and production."

Also Read | Two commercial satellites create history by docking mid-space to extend one's life

Advertisement

Published March 16th, 2020 at 12:25 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

How to Keep Yourself Safe from Unhealthy Air?
5 minutes ago
TMC Delgation at ECI Office
17 minutes ago
Congress Press Conference
24 minutes ago
Raw Mango
24 minutes ago
Gen Z worker goes to the salon while “working from home”
26 minutes ago
Lionel Messi
27 minutes ago
Jailed Gangster Mukhtar Ansari Passes Away
29 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
32 minutes ago
Tie-dye printed shirts
38 minutes ago
Sri Lanka on High Alert on Good Friday
38 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo