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A Strategy for Research in Space Biology and Medicine in the New Century (1998) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
Pages 21-28

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From page 21...
... Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the observed bone loss and the development of effective physical and/or pharmacological countermeasures will require the following at a minimum: characterization of the effects of microgravity on the cells responsible for bone growth and bone resorption; analysis of the molecular and cellular mechanisms whereby cells in weight-bearing bone perceive and respond to the force of gravity; identification and analysis of possible effects of microgravity-induced changes in muscle activity and blood flow on bone metabolism; and determination and understanding of the changes in levels of the many hormones induced by stress and the environment that contribute to the regulation of bone metabolism, both positively and negatively. This example, which spans a range of experimental approaches from molecular biology to organismic physiology, illustrates the integrated, multidisciplinary approach necessary to meet the goals set for NASA life sciences research in the next decade.
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From page 22...
... "4. To determine if any biological phenomenon that arises in an individual organism or small group of organisms is better studied in space than on Earth."5 The Goldberg report was noteworthy in its emphasis on basic research in gravitational biology and its call for vigorous ground-based programs aimed at addressing fundamental biological mechanisms that underlie observed effects of the space environment on human physiology and other biological processes.
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From page 23...
... However, little progress was apparent in elucidating the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying the observed physiological phenomena. Similarly, progress in plant gravitropism was thought to suffer from limitations in flight opportunities and continued slow progress in identifying basic cellular and intercellular mechanisms responsible for gravity-dependent responses.
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From page 24...
... Thus, for example, in cell culture experiments, the diffusion of nutrients, oxygen, growth factors, and other regulatory molecules to the plasma membrane, as well as the diffusion of waste products and CO2 away from the cell, will be reduced in the near absence of convection unless countered by stirring or forced flow of medium. Such effects might account, at least in part, for the reduced growth rates or decreased rates of glucose utilization sometimes encountered in cultured cells in flight.
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From page 25...
... 6. Space Studies Board, National Research Council.
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From page 27...
... PART II Physiology, Gravity, and Space
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Key Terms

  • space environment
  • medical science
  • goldberg report
  • smith report
  • space science

  • microgravity conditions
  • gravitational biology
  • whereby cells
  • space studies
  • cellular mechanisms

  • bone metabolism
  • experiments carried
  • mechanisms underlying
  • mechanisms responsible
  • gravitational force

  • human physiology
  • shuttle program
  • plant gravitropism
  • forces acting
  • mechanisms whereby

  • contact surface
  • bone resorption
  • flight data
  • growth factors
  • reduced growth

  • orbital flight
  • exploration feasible
  • fundamental scientific
  • atmospheric quality
  • flower development


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