The ISS National Lab to Fund Unsolicited Proposal From the Department of Veterans Affairs in Anti-Cancer Research
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (June 25, 2013) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISSInternational Space Station National Lab), the nonprofit organization managing research onboard the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, today announced the funding of an unsolicited proposal with the Department of Veterans Affairs for approximately $300,000 to utilize the ISS discovery platform to evaluate known and novel anti-cancer drug therapies.
Through this funding, Dr. Timothy Hammond of the Department of Veterans Affairs seeks to investigate a yeast-based assay that is used in developing drug therapies on the ground. Previous investigations on the U.S. Space Shuttle showed changes in this assay in space. Hammond seeks to demonstrate that these changes can be used for discovery and evaluation of drugs such as cancer therapeutics. Initial experiments studying existing drugs may reveal new uses for these drugs–while optimizing the experimental methodology and paving the way for future experiments.
This announcement marks the first official research proposal agreement between the ISS National Lab and a government agency.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the National Laboratory is available for all to utilize, ranging from government agencies and academic institutions to commercial entities,” said the ISS National Lab Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “We look forward to continuing to expand our list of qualified researchers to maximize this unparalleled technical platform.”
the ISS National Lab evaluates unsolicited proposals on a regular basis for scientific and economic merit and potential impact. In some instances, the ISS National Lab can provide funding to assist highly qualified research to be performed on the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.
For additional information about unsolicited proposals, including instructions on submitting research ideas, please visit: issnationallab.org/Opportunities/UnsolicitedProposals.aspx
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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. The the ISS National Lab goal is to bring the magic of space down to earth. 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 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. 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. The ISS National Laboratory Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center currently facilitates research initiatives on board the station’s National Lab, but management of America’s only in-orbit laboratory is transitioning to the ISS National Lab.
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