Discoveries of medical breakthroughs on the International Space Station.

Doctors on Earth are discovering new treatment options with the help of research conducted at the International Space Station.

"NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed excitement about various research projects, stating that it was unfortunate that it had taken so long to see results. He mentioned his own protein crystal growth experiment from January 1986, which was done without a permanent space laboratory. Now, he is seeing the benefits of this drug research."

Observing proteins in zero gravity could benefit cancer treatments on Earth, as pharmaceutical company Merck has launched several protein crystallization research projects to the International Space Station over the years.

""Keytruda, the drug that has been incredibly successful on Earth, has been taken to space in zero G. It has allowed for the formation of larger and more uniform crystals," Nelson stated."

The drug has become more effective and easier to administer to patients due to the microgravity exposure.

"Nelson stated that the ability to concentrate the actual infusion into a shot in the body instead of a long, long process of intravenous feeding, through a fluid, can be done much quicker, more direct, and more effective in the administration of that drug."

Scientists have gained insights into humans through studying an environment vastly dissimilar to our own on Earth.

According to NASA Technology Transfer Program Executive Daniel Lockney, the effects of microgravity and radiation on the body are similar to the aging process. This allows us to better understand what happens to the body in space and what happens to the body as you age.

Through stem cell research, scientists are discovering new treatments for diseases as we age.

"Dr. Abba Zubair, a Mayo Clinic Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Specialist, stated that growing stem cells in the lab has been challenging. The cells have not been expanded enough to provide for multiple patients from a single donor. As a result, the team started thinking creatively and considered the possibility of going beyond Earth's boundaries to overcome the limitations of gravity."

In January, the International Space Station received Zubair's research, which was delivered by Northrop Grumman and SpaceX.

"Zubair stated that there is evidence from before suggesting that the absence of gravity can cause cells to grow differently, but the other reason is simply his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. He always wanted to go to space, which led him to have a clinical problem and a passion for space exploration. Zubair said, "Why don't we see if the space environment can help us solve some of our challenges on Earth?""

According to the Mayo Clinic, cells grown in space exhibited no DNA damage or chromosomal abnormalities. Zubair and his team suggested that these cells could potentially be utilized as treatments, but further research is necessary.

"If the cells can grow faster in space, we can treat more patients," Zubair said, considering the possibility of growing them in space.

He expressed his desire to gain more knowledge on managing stroke patients.

""My mother's premature death due to stroke is something I care about deeply, which is why I have been seeking ways to contribute towards addressing stroke in my own discipline and field," Zubair stated."

Mesenchymal stem cells, which have been found to have healing properties, do not grow significantly faster in space compared to on Earth. However, their ability to regulate immune cells is enhanced. On the other hand, hematopoietic stem cells, which can develop into different types of blood cells, grow much faster in space.

"Nelson stated that if stem cells are part of a tissue from the body, such as breast tissue infused with cancer, we can create a 3D tissue. This allows us to test different drugs on the tissue in space to determine their effectiveness."

Scientists have hoped to employ the same testing method for Parkinson's, brain cancer, and other diseases, as stated by Nelson.

In the International Space Station, we can continuously conduct research and experience dramatic breakthroughs, as Nelson stated.

The process of using treatments from space-grown stem cells on patients is still in its early stages, according to Zubair. However, he believes that an expanding footprint in orbit could speed up the process.

Zubair stated that patients are eagerly waiting outside our door and require more funding and access to shorten the timeline.

He wished to be included in the growing presence in space.

"Please take me to the moon or ISS so I can conduct my experiment myself," Zubair stated.