By The Star Staff
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust announced over the weekend the launch of a pioneering research project to study the effects of microgravity on stem cells, to be conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The Research Grants Program funds the innovative project as part of its Advanced Research Grants Program: Space Edition. It represents a significant advance in understanding how space conditions influence cell behavior.
The research, led by Dr. Maribella Domenech of the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus, will examine how microgravity affects the growth of specific stem cells and their anti-inflammatory properties. By investigating these effects, the project seeks to reveal crucial insights into the mechanisms that underpin stem cell functionality in space, which could have profound implications for space exploration and medicine on Earth.
“Sending our research to the International Space Station is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a dream come true for our team,” Domenech said Sunday. “This mission not only raises the global profile of our Department of Chemical Engineering and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, but also paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries. Studying cellular behavior in microgravity offers unprecedented insights into cellular dynamics and stem cell manufacturing, unlocking transformative potential for research and fostering new global collaborations.”
The launch of the project was made possible through a collaboration with Rhodium Scientific, a key partner in advancing space research and technology. Rhodium Scientific will provide essential support and resources to ensure the successful execution and monitoring of the study aboard the ISS.
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