Experiments in Space

The effects of microgravity on the immune system and wound-healing mammalian cells are similar to the body’s response following trauma on Earth. BioSTAR West and Harvey Mudd College are taking advantage of this similiarity through science experiments that are on board the current flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The experiements test the effects of the polysaccharide chitosan to accelerate the wound healing process, reduce infection and ultimately reduce wound scarringmicrogravity on wound repair.