American Nuclear Society

        All cells, whether in the body or in another living organism will eventually be exposed to environmental hazards that will cause them to inactivate. We know that exposure of cells to ionizing radiation can cause their death rate to increase. When cells are exposed to radiation,their death rate is well understood within earth's standard gravitational environment, but not much is known how cells will react to radiation when taken out of this situation.
        Research has shown that when cells are placed into a different environment other than what they are used to, the stress induced upon the cells causes them to operate ineffectively and eventually die. A study of this nature will help us better understand the mechanisms that control cell repair in microgravity, as well as the deleterious effects of radiation to cells in microgravity.
        Obtaining information on this subject will give us insight on how to control or prevent such an effect, if there is such a consequence. This research is crucial in determining health standards for astronauts on future manned deep space flights. Our research will determine the effect of gravity on death rate of cells when exposed to radiation.

        In the upcoming months, we plan to meet with various high school and middle schools to conduct presentations regarding microgravity, and introduce our experiment. Interactive will be encouraged through discussion of design problem which will be posed to the students. Through this problem, the students will learn beneficial problem solving skills related to experimentation.

         We are currently working with the regional coordinators from MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Acheivement) to have two outstanding students from the Albuquerque area Public High Schools to work with us directly on our project. The students will have work hands experince along with our team to build, test and operate our experiment. Pending funding, the students will also be able to accompany us to Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX, and participate as the ground crew.