Human Stem Cells Grow Differently in Space

[Nate]

Human stem cells grown in a rotating vessel to simulate microgravity are vastly different from those allowed to develop under normal conditions, a new study shows.

The research raises questions about the viability of humans traveling in space without gravity for long periods of time.

Australian scientists used a NASA-developed bioreactor to grow cells from a human embryonic stem cell line. These types of cells can develop into any of the body's three primary layers -- ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm, which in turn form more than the 220 types of cells found in humans.

The team discovered that 64 percent of the proteins found in the stem cells grown in simulated microgravity were not in control samples. In particular, the bioreactor cells contained several proteins involved in the breakdown of bone and in the regulation of calcium, neither type of which were found in stem cells grown in regular, Earth gravity.

Human Stem Cells Grow Differently in Space : Discovery News

So unless we find a way to stop bone loss while in space this puts a serious crimp on deep space exploration for mankind. Is this a sign that it will only be our robots doing the leg work up there or do you think that scientists may have something with bisphosphonates?

Bisphosphonates are used to prevent bone loss in cancer patients taking other drugs that would cause bones loss, to treat bone pain associated with cancer treatment, and to treat osteoporosis sufferers to help them maintain bone mass.

Fosamax and Bisphosphonates - Risks and Precautions | Bisphosphonates.org

 

[Truthmatters]

At some point we will leave this earth or die out.

We may evolve into something very different than we are now.

 

[Nonelitist]

At some point we will leave this earth or die out.

We may evolve into something very different than we are now.

Yes... because the proof that we were something else is overwhelming.

 

[ABikerSailor]

It seems that the human body needs gravity to develop right. If a child is born in zero g, they will never be able to return to earth.

Saw it on the Science Channel.

 

[Zona]

Well, stem cells didn't grow one bit under bush...he wouldn't research for it...

 

[Nate]

Well, stem cells didn't grow one bit under bush...he wouldn't research for it...

Which is one of the many, many..... many reasons the man needed to be out of office. Now, being that his reign is history, does it help that Obama has sent NASA packing up shop and opened the space exploration/development market to the private sectors? IMO, I do think it is a good thing because the private sectors will compete in this arena and competition breeds creation.