The ISS National Lab Issues Request for Information On 3D Microphysiological Systems for Organs-On-Chips Research
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (June 15, 2015) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) that seeks to gather insight from subject matter experts and entities with experience in three-dimensional (3D) microphysiological systems for organs-on-chips research models. The ISS National Lab is tasked with managing and promoting research onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, and this RFI is intended to precede a sponsored research program using these microphysiological systems.
This RFI is part of an ISS National Lab initiative, Campaign Good Health, and represents an opportunity to bring new tools to biology, medicine, pharmacology, physiology, and toxicology for research applications on the ISS National Lab to benefit human disease research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine on Earth. the ISS National Lab plans to develop a research program as part of Campaign Good Health that will provide opportunities for research on the ISS National Lab seeking to use microphysiological systems in microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. to create and/or interrogate 3D in-vitro models for bone and cartilage, skeletal muscle, brain, gastrointestinal tract, lung, liver, microvasculature, skin, or other tissues. Campaign Good Health is an over-arching the ISS National Lab initiative to translate observations in space to human health benefits on Earth.
“Life in microgravity can be challenging but offers many opportunities for discovery and innovation in the life sciences,” said the ISS National Lab Senior Scientist Dr. Michael Roberts. “Part of the role of the ISS National Lab is to enable investigators access to space to advance their research programs. Through this RFI, the ISS National Laboratory will better understand what researchers need in a microgravity environment to bring the best possible results to their inquiries and benefit life on Earth.”
The RFI will be open until 5pm ET on September 8, 2015. For additional information about this RFI, including instructions on submitting a proposal, please visit: https://sandbox.issnationallab.org/research-on-the-iss/solicitations/3d-microphysiological-systems-for-organs-on-chips-research-rfi/
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About the ISS National Lab: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) was selected by NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. the ISS National Lab 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 issnationallab.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(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles., and varied environments of space.
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