UR-1 launches groundbreaking research to the ISS
2014-03-10
Scheduled for launch and on-orbit operations on Space-X 3, March 16, 2014, the University Research- 1 (UR-1) research is focused on the development of benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid derivatives designed for immune system augmentation, the restoration of immune cell function and the inhibition of cancer initiation and development. The initial findings of these compounds reveal inhibitive properties for cancer cell proliferation and restorative properties for cells exposed to radiation. This research addresses risks critical to the health of the astronauts and humankind.
The International Space Station (ISS) Program has embarked on a first of a kind collaborative mission to advance ground based university/student cancer research to flight based research aboard the ISS entitled, UR-1. The ground based research entitled “The Investigation of Countermeasures to Modulate and Augment the Immune System” was initially funded through the NASA Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP) as part of the NASA Science and Technology Institute (NSTI) 2008-2012 grant.
Without the support of the ISS Program, this groundbreaking research and efforts of the students and professors would be lost and not reach its full potential. This flight opportunity is focusing on Pharmacology, Immunology, and Cancer Research using the NanoRacks commercial platform. This unique collaboration of government, academia, and industry is formed to allow students, professors, and the public to connect with the ISS Mission and inspire more students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academic disciplines to further inclusion and innovation. The NASA participants include Mr. Willie B. Williams (JSC)/ISS University Research Portfolio Manager; Dr. Pamela Denkins (JSC)/Science Lead and Technical Advisor; Ms. Misti Moore (JSC)/Minority University Research and Education Program Manager and Suzanne Foxworth (JSC)/Minority University Research and Education Program Coordinator.
The following five (5) Tier 2/Tier 3 universities are participating in this one of kind ground breaking research opportunity on ISS:
The International Space Station (ISS) Program has embarked on a first of a kind collaborative mission to advance ground based university/student cancer research to flight based research aboard the ISS entitled, UR-1. The ground based research entitled “The Investigation of Countermeasures to Modulate and Augment the Immune System” was initially funded through the NASA Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP) as part of the NASA Science and Technology Institute (NSTI) 2008-2012 grant.
Without the support of the ISS Program, this groundbreaking research and efforts of the students and professors would be lost and not reach its full potential. This flight opportunity is focusing on Pharmacology, Immunology, and Cancer Research using the NanoRacks commercial platform. This unique collaboration of government, academia, and industry is formed to allow students, professors, and the public to connect with the ISS Mission and inspire more students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academic disciplines to further inclusion and innovation. The NASA participants include Mr. Willie B. Williams (JSC)/ISS University Research Portfolio Manager; Dr. Pamela Denkins (JSC)/Science Lead and Technical Advisor; Ms. Misti Moore (JSC)/Minority University Research and Education Program Manager and Suzanne Foxworth (JSC)/Minority University Research and Education Program Coordinator.
The following five (5) Tier 2/Tier 3 universities are participating in this one of kind ground breaking research opportunity on ISS:
- Dr. Karla Sue Marriott, Savannah State University: Synthesis of Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid derivatives
- Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan (Principal Investigator), Texas Southern University: Assessment of modeled microgravity on human lymphocytes treated with synthetic benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid derivatives
- Dr. Shakhawat Bhuiyan, Jarvis Christian College - Determination of the cell signaling repair capabilities of benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid derivatives on targeted tumor/immune cells
- Dr. Jinghe Mao, Tougaloo College: Determination of the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic products of targeted tumor/immune cells - with and without the treatment of benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid derivatives
- Dr. Richard Wilkins, Prairie View A&M University: Characterization of the ISS radiation environment utilizing radiation detection and measurement technology and radiobiological modeling.
Want to learn more about this project and other NASA education opportunities?
A live webcast will take place at noon on March 12 discussing why college students are launching scientific experiments to the ISS through the UR-1 experiment. How will their research impact NASA, human spaceflight and potentially the world? Questions from students and teachers will be answered live by NASA experts, university professors and college students from various universities.
Tune in to www.dln.nasa.gov to participate.
UR-1 Participants
Photo Credit: NASA