Sun, Jul 12, 2015
Will Test The Effects Of Microgravity And Radiation On The Human Immune System
Anna-Sophia Boguraev from Bedford, N.Y., has been selected as the winner of the inaugural ‘Genes in Space’ competition, taking home the prize of designing one of the first autonomous DNA experiments to take place on the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment aims to test the effect of microgravity and cosmic radiation on the immune system in space. Boguraev (16) hopes to offer new avenues to enhance human health during prolonged spaceflight missions.
Genes in Space is a national contest inviting teachers and students to design experiments intended to solve real-life space exploration problems through DNA analysis. On Earth these experiments are conducted using a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction, which rapidly detects and analyzes DNA. The availability of miniPCR equipment now makes DNA studies in space possible. Organizers and sponsors devised Genes in Space as a means to inspire collaboration among students and scientists; create experimental designs testing cutting-edge hypotheses and show the possibilities and opportunities available to students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Joining Boeing in supporting the Genes in Space competition are the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), Math for America (MƒA) and miniPCR. Boeing will prepare the equipment for launch; CASIS will provide a payload slot to the space station; and MƒA will serve as the education partner for the competition. Boeing is also providing equipment developed by miniPCR.
Five finalist teams, chosen from among 330 entrants, presented their proposals before a panel of scientists, educators and technologists at the ISS Research & Development conference, held July 7-9 in Boston and had miniPCR equipment donated to their educational institutions. Boguraev will have her experimental design carried out aboard the International Space Station. She will also travel to witness the experiment’s launch to the ISS.
“This is true a collaboration of industry partners to move technology and research forward while promoting STEM education and getting students excited about the possibilities of science in space,” said John Shannon, vice president and Space Launch System program manager at Boeing.
(Image from file)
More News
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.24.24): Runway Lead-in Light System
See All