Stem cells survive unexpectedly rough space travel
Researchers discovered that neural stem cells sent to the International Space Station survived despite being exposed to harsh conditions and a delayed return trip. The study highlights the protective benefits of 3D-printed support structures for cell survival in space.
Why it matters
This research provides insights into biological resilience in space, which is essential for long-term space exploration and medical advancements.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Stem cells viewed through a microscope during a photo shoot prior to the experiment, in December 2023. Credit: Tobias Sterner, Bildbyrån In early 2024, laboratory-grown neurospheres (i.e. clusters of neural stem cells) were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to be exposed to microgravity. The return trip was delayed several times due to bad weather in the landing zone. As a result, the cells were outside controlled culture conditions for longer than anticipated—beyond the limit of what they were expected to survive.
When they finally arrived at the laboratory at the Uppsala Biomedical Center (BMC), no one knew whether it would be possible to complete the experiment.
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