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TO HEALTH, NATIONAL, AND TECHNOLOGY EDITORS:
Second Series of CASIS-Sponsored Research Payloads Launch to the
International Space Station
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., April 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is proud
to announce several sponsored research payloads have launched to the
International Space Station (ISS) onboard the Space Exploration
Technology Corporation's (SpaceX) Dragon cargo capsule. This marks the
second series of investigations headed to the station that are
sponsored by CASIS, the nonprofit responsible for managing research
onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.
Research on this flight includes multiple protein crystallization
projects supported by grant funding from the first CASIS request for
proposals, awarded in late 2012 and early 2013. In all, five of the
funded protein crystallization researchers saw their investigations
launch on this flight to the ISS National Lab. These investigators are
evaluating various proteins involved in human health: the protein
responsible for Huntington's disease; proteins involved in other
neurodegenerative conditions, Cystic Fibrosis, cardiovascular disease,
cancer, and other aliments; and membrane proteins involved in drug
effectiveness.
The launch also contained a protein crystal growth experiment from the
pharmaceutical company Merck Research Labs, who will study two
monoclonal antibodies that are being investigated for multiple human
diseases to improve human health. Additionally onboard, an
investigation from the National Institute of Health will attempt to
discover the molecular basis of cell suppression in spaceflight. In
the field of plant biology, is a project from the University of
Florida evaluating the growth and development of plant seedlings in
the absence of gravity. A variety of ISS National Lab commercial and
academic payloads brokered by NanoRacks are also part of the overall
CASIS manifest on this mission.
"With Friday's launch by our partners at SpaceX, CASIS completed yet
another milestone as we've sent our first projects funded through an
official grant solicitation," said CASIS president and executive
director, Gregory H. Johnson. "Over our first two series of payloads
destined for the National Lab, CASIS has already demonstrated the
diversity within brokered projects, ranging from physical and
biomedical sciences to plant biology and education projects. In the
coming months and years, we look forward to expanding on the
innovative scientific investigations that will benefit life on Earth."
To learn more about the research destined for the ISS during CASIS's
first official launch increment period, Advancing Research Knowledge 1
(ARK1), please enjoy our video highlighting the historic timeframe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mJI1G2RQAU&list=UUezcn0GHbLgOkZ85oV5xqZA&feature=share
or visit: http://ark1.iss-casis.org
About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space
(CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the
International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through
2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations
and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of
people and our planet. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.
About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the
U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation's newest
national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth,
promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM
education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by
other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private
institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting,
vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.
Media Contact: Patrick O'Neill (321) 480-1054 PONeill@iss-casis.org
SOURCE Center for the Advancement of Science in Space
-0- 04/18/2014
/Web Site: http://www.iss-casis.org
CO: Center for the Advancement of Science in Space
ST: Florida
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0000 04/18/2014 20:00:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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