Researchers at UT Southwestern will investigate the consequences of space radiation exposure on human health, with a focus on lung cancer and its prevention. The $9.8 million grant will enable the development of new cell systems and animal models to study high-energy particles in space.
Experiments on moss grown in space showed it formed striking clockwise spirals despite the absence of gravity. Common roof moss grew in a residual spacing mechanism intended to control colony growth and branch distribution.
Researchers have developed a model that accurately recreated the series of events surrounding the Prestige oil spill, highlighting its potential for future cleanup and analysis. The study's focus on asphaltenes and resins not easily degradable underscores the need for efficient containment strategies.
The CRaTER instrument will measure high-energy charged particles in deep space to develop equipment and materials for human safety in the lunar environment. Scientists at Boston University are leading the development of the instrument with NASA funding.
The SAGE II instrument has provided 20 years of high-quality ozone measurements, enabling scientists to monitor trends and changes in the stratosphere. Its data have also helped study the impact of volcanic aerosols on temperatures and the effects of human activities on the Earth's radiation balance.
A laser-based microscopy technique has confirmed and redefined the controversial 'astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle' hypothesis for brain energy metabolism. The study reveals that neurons and astrocytes interact to burn oxygen and glucose, with astrocytes providing lactate fuel after glucose is converted from the bloodstream.
The Space Simulator, a $500,000 Beowulf cluster, has achieved remarkable performance in astrophysics simulations, calculating the evolution of the Universe and studying massive star explosions. Its low cost and scalability make it an ideal tool for specific research applications.
Astronomers from Johns Hopkins University confirm the Cygnus Loop is closer to Earth than previously thought, with a distance of 1,860 light years. The new findings were obtained using the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite and provide an accurate starting point for understanding this important supernova remnant.
Kenneth Baldwin will lead a $2.5 million NASA program to develop exercise programs for astronauts, addressing physical impacts of space travel. The research aims to enhance the new NASA Space Exploration Initiative, enabling humans to work for months on the International Space Station and potentially send humans to Mars.
Jonathan I. Lunine, a renowned planetary scientist, will testify before the President's Commission on Implementation of U.S. Space Exploration Policy about detecting other Earths around nearby stars. He suggests developing medium-sized optical and infrared space telescopes, the Terrestrial Planet Finder, which could discover habitable ...
Researchers have captured images of coronal mass ejections, revealing high-altitude auroras extending over 500 miles above Earth's surface. The Solar Mass Ejection Imager has improved predictions of geomagnetic storms by mapping electron cloud trajectories.
NASA will conduct thousands of experiments at its new $34 million Space Radiation Laboratory to develop materials and countermeasures protecting spacecraft crews from harmful space radiation. The laboratory, built in cooperation with the Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, simulates the harsh space environment.
The new yellow bus features alternative fuel, a low floor, and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing easy accessibility for passengers. The bus is designed to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and protect national parks' pristine environment.
A NASA grant is supporting a two-year study at Florida Tech to develop algorithms that can learn from historical data and detect potential problems with a space shuttle component. The research aims to improve the efficiency of monitoring systems, reducing the time and effort required to extract knowledge from experts.
A study by Penn State researchers found that melatonin supplements can hinder nervous system responses that enable the body to compensate for blood pressure drops when standing. This may exacerbate orthostatic intolerance in individuals with cardiovascular challenges, including astronauts who experience it after space travel.
A UB engineer developed software that can pinpoint leak locations on the space station and estimate hole sizes. This helps speed up the process of identifying source modules, which is crucial for astronauts' safety.
Researchers at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute are developing a new treadmill training system to help astronauts recover from balance problems after long-duration space flights. The system will also aid elderly patients and others with similar issues.
Scientists found that space shuttle exhaust can transport water vapor to the Arctic mesosphere, forming noctilucent clouds. The study used data from a launch vehicle instrument and confirmed the plume trajectory with ground-based observations.
The Clemson Inflatable Fabric Airlock, developed in collaboration with NASA, boasts a two-layer fabric design that eliminates seams for added strength. The airlock has withstood a terrestrial tensile force of over 675,000 pounds at four atmospheres of internal pressure.
Researchers are developing a sensor to monitor carbon-carbon composite materials in structures. The team uses ultrasound to identify degradation mechanisms and contamination effects, enabling them to quantify the impact on material integrity. They expect to complete a prototype sensor system by 2003.
Fotini Markopoulo Kalamara presents a fresh approach to researching theoretical possibilities for looking inside black holes and at particles of space/time. She proposes that an 'inside' quantum theory of gravity should be the collection of all partial observations of the inside observers.
A new risk assessment method for the space shuttle program has been developed, with findings showing that 15% of tiles contributed to 85% of identified risks. This study emphasizes the importance of considering tile failure in the overall risk management strategy.
Researchers investigate how simple plants like moss grow when deprived of gravity, exploring the role of light and internal forces. The study aims to understand the cellular mechanisms guiding plant growth and development in space.
Astronauts will test a new commercial fire-fighting system that uses fine water mist to put out blazes, reducing damage and environmental harm. The system's effectiveness in microgravity has been shown to be superior to traditional sprinklers, with water mists requiring one-tenth the water to extinguish a flame.
Jeneene Sams, a NASA space product manager, works with companies to conduct experiments in space that improve their products and ultimately people's lives. She sponsors two commercial experiments: one on growing zeolite crystals that can store hydrogen, a pollution-free fuel, and another testing a fire-fighting system in microgravity.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a light-powered molecular pump that shuttles calcium ions through a phospholipid membrane. The operation is controlled by an artificial reaction center molecule, which donates and reabsorbs electrons in response to light. This innovation could be used for various applications, incl...
Researchers develop technology to characterize unknown bacteria, helping astronauts stay healthy in space. The system predicts bacteria's source and identifies potential infection risks.
A new GPS-based index improves lightning strike forecasts by nearly 10% and reduces false alarm rates by 26% at the Kennedy Space Center. The index combines data on water vapor in the atmosphere with other meteorological data to provide valuable guidance for forecasters.
NASA's space station has successfully grown its first commercial farming experiment - soybeans grown in microgravity. The experiment, conducted by DuPont, aims to accelerate crop development and improve crop yields.
The University of Houston has a rich history of space research, with contributions to NASA's Exobiology Program and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. Researchers are planning to go back to the moon and Mars to develop space outposts.
Scientists use microgravity to study soil behavior and simulate earthquake effects, aiming to improve foundation design and mitigate soil liquefaction. The experiment will analyze the strength and stiffness of sand under different conditions, shedding light on the physics behind soil movement.
Researchers from CU-Boulder will conduct cell biology experiments in microgravity, mimicking normal functioning kidney cells and studying molecular responses to infections. Plant growth experiments will also explore the role of gravity on plant development, with potential applications in timber and pharmaceutical industries.
Researchers found thicker, denser storm clouds over warmer waters, covering wider areas of the tropics and releasing more moisture as rain. This contradicts the 'Adaptive Iris' theory, which suggests cloud cover decreases with rising ocean temperatures.
Space weather events, caused by solar storms, are damaging satellites and power grids due to increasing technological challenges. Scientists are working on predicting and mitigating these effects with new observations, simulations, and predictive models.
Dr. Sharon Cobb is leading the development of a Materials Science Research Rack on the International Space Station, which will allow scientists to study material properties in low-gravity conditions. The rack's furnaces will be used to melt and solidify various materials, with data collected for characterization on Earth.
Space motion sickness affects 70% of first-time space travelers, causing nausea, vomiting, and cognitive impairment. Researchers are testing four drugs to find a safe alternative that reduces symptoms without affecting reaction time or memory.
John Uri, a NASA scientist, has led research on the International Space Station since childhood. He oversaw 52 investigations in various scientific disciplines, including medical research and material science.
A new kind of cruise missile engine, called a scramjet, has been tested to achieve Mach 6.5 speeds in simulated hypersonic conditions, outperforming traditional ramjets. The engine is being developed for use in the HyFly joint DARPA/ONR Flight Demo program, aiming to launch missiles at speeds up to Mach 6 and ranges of 600 nautical miles.
Scientists will study the properties of materials in low-gravity conditions to improve industry's high-tech products. Bubbles trapped in solid samples can cause internal cracks, diminishing a material's strength.
NASA's new Microgravity Science Glovebox will enhance the Space Station's science capabilities by providing a facility for safely working with fluids, flames, particles, and fumes. The glovebox supports low-cost, small investigations from multiple disciplines, including materials science and biotechnology.
A Stanford scientist is conducting a groundbreaking study to determine the long-term effects of hypergravity on humans. Participants will spend nine weeks in a NASA centrifuge rotating at increasingly faster speeds, simulating conditions found during space shuttle takeoff and landing.
The new ACS instrument will provide two times the observational area, resolution, and sensitivity as existing instruments, allowing astronomers to capture more objects in detail at a faster rate. This will enable research to probe deeper into the universe, potentially revealing direct images of planets in nearby solar systems.
Researchers plan to use cycler spacecraft, which would constantly ferry people and materials between Earth and Mars, to enable human exploration and colonization of the Red Planet. The cyclers would rotate slowly to create artificial gravity and provide comfortable accommodations for passengers on long trips.
Astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance after space flight, characterized by lightheadedness and dizziness. UT Southwestern researchers found that heart shrinking and becoming stiff is the primary cause, contrary to previous research suggesting a malfunction of the sympathetic nervous system.
Researchers propose a new mechanism to explain the X-ray galactic ridge's origin, involving low-energy cosmic rays interacting with neutral molecular clouds. The study suggests that this process can produce the observed X-ray emission without requiring dramatic events or unusual astrophysical processes.
A NASA-funded study found that people's internal clocks have difficulty adapting to non-24 hour days, leading to increased risk of fatigue and sleepiness. The study, conducted at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, evaluated participants' melatonin levels in response to varying day lengths.
Researchers have discovered two independent pathways for mRNA export from the nucleus, revealing the role of adapter proteins in regulating this process. The study used cell-permeable peptides to selectively block the action of these proteins, demonstrating their importance in transporting mRNAs for early response genes.
A new suite of experiments will be delivered to the International Space Station by Space Shuttle Endeavour, broadening scientific research onboard the orbiting space laboratory. The experiments are expected to lead to insights in various fields such as bone disorder treatments, plant growth, and cancer cell formation.
The Dawgstar nanosatellite will conduct scientific research on the Earth's ionosphere and perform precision formation flying experiments with two companion satellites. Students played a primary role in designing and building the compact piece of space hardware, gaining hands-on experience for future space endeavors.
Researchers will study 12 astronaut crew members before, during and after space missions to assess cardiac mass, compliance and relaxation. Findings may help prevent cardiac atrophy and arrhythmias in individuals confined to long-term bed rest or with conditions associated with cardiac stiffness.
Celera Genomics has adopted Aura's OPUS software to streamline its development processes, saving time and resources. The partnership demonstrates the practical applications of innovative technologies developed for space exploration.
The University of Houston's Space Vacuum Epitaxy Center has developed 15 new technologies, published over 450 scientific papers, and received $80 million in research funding. Researchers have also spun off two companies, one producing infrared lasers and the other commercializing a new type of electric wire.
Researchers are developing a compact machine called AMPDXA to precision measure tissue mass, bone density and geometry. This instrument will aid in preventing weakened bones and fractures for astronauts returning to Earth or landing on another planet.
Researchers examine how personality, culture, and group dynamics influence behavior and health outcomes in isolated environments. They also investigate the risks of space radiation exposure on astronauts' bodies, aiming to identify traits that maximize crew functioning and reduce individual and group problems.
A virtual-reality training tool is being developed to help astronauts learn techniques for navigating complex spacecraft and maintaining orientation in microgravity environments. The device tests users' ability to maintain spatial awareness and navigate through various modules.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has detected unusual microlensing events in the M22 globular cluster, hinting at a new population of wandering, planet-sized objects. These bodies are estimated to have masses as low as 80 times that of Earth, a discovery that could challenge current understanding of celestial mechanics.
NASA has launched a new Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle program office at the Marshall Space Flight Center, aiming to develop a safer and less expensive launch system. The program seeks proposals from industry and academia to reduce business and technical risk.
Researchers have found that near-infrared light from LEDs accelerates wound healing in patients with diabetic skin ulcers, serious burns, and severe oral sores. The treatment uses a portable device emitting LED lights, which promote energy inside cells, leading to faster healing times.
Neurons control connection strength by removing or inserting receptors for glutamate, a key neurotransmitter. The discovery reveals a 'shuttle' system that rapidly regulates receptor numbers, allowing neurons to adjust connection strength.
NASA's 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program aims to develop a privately owned, commercially competitive reusable launch vehicle. Proposals are due November 27, with cost proposals due December 4, and are expected to award multiple contracts totaling $900 million next spring.