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Cell Biology in Space

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Biotechnology in Space

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Space Life Sciences ((BRIEFSSLS))

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of experiments conducted in space and on Earth using machines created to simulate microgravity. Today, research in space on the International Space Station (ISS) or in orbit, as well as the exploration by humans of extraterrestrial environments like the Moon or Mars, is of worldwide interest. The commercial use of space and future space tourism will further increase this interest. The space travels of European astronauts have contributed to this great success with their enormously positive PR activities before, during and after their respective missions.

In the past, space medicine and gravitational biology were disciplines familiar only to a small research community, but they are attracting a lot of interest today. A large number of exciting research findings have been discovered in the last 40 years. Today we know that microgravity has an enormous influence on the biology of human cells, in particular on cellular morphology, the cytoskeleton and growth behavior. Moreover, it changes various biological processes in human cells.

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Correspondence to Daniela Grimm B.D.S., F.R.A.C.D.S., M.S. .

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Grimm, D. (2017). Cell Biology in Space. In: Biotechnology in Space. SpringerBriefs in Space Life Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64054-9_5

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