TAMPA, Fla — Who knew that scientists on Earth, working together with astronauts in outer space, could be solving problems we have here on our planet?
The International Space Station conducts a variety of experiments each year using its unique celestial environment to study the human condition. Playing with shifts in oxygen and gravity, researchers at the ISS conduct experiments that can’t be done on Earth.
In the past year, the International Space Station has made promising findings in areas like spaceflight, lightning research, muscle loss, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Scientists even conducted a study on a topic that’s at the forefront of everyone’s minds: germs and bacteria that live in our homes, offices, and hospitals. Their findings showed that an understanding of even the smallest organisms can help protect the health of astronauts and everyday citizens alike.
Information from unique space station research is used by scientists on Earth to bring new data and perspectives to their different fields.
The International Space Station’s Program Research Office found more than 300 scientific publications, just this year, that were based on space station research.
The ISS allows for a unique collaboration between nations, with agencies from Canada to Italy all contributing to these incredible findings.
One particular experiment by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency studied the growth and progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
These debilitating diseases affect millions of people worldwide. While there is currently no cure, scientists at the International Space Station found data that could help treat or even prevent these diseases. According to the International Space Station Program Research Office, the space station is the ideal environment for the study of these disease formations because the disease structure grew more slowly than those on Earth.
Other findings from the International Space Station included information about bone density loss, blood oxygen levels, and small-scale drug delivery.
In the last 20 years, major research breakthroughs aboard the ISS have helped humans with new water purification systems, growing food and even 3-D printing. Click here to read about 20 breakthroughs from the last two decades.
- US House approves $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks, bill heads to GOP-led Senate
- Ready for the $600 second stimulus check? Here's the potential timeline
- Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson surprises Wesley Chapel boy for Christmas
- Indiana pastor, his mother, and sister die from COVID-19 in one week
- Vice President-elect Harris, husband receive COVID-19 vaccine
- Biden calls out Trump administration's 'irresponsibility' during transition
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
