NASA awards $3.1M grant to continue studying stem cells aboard International Space Station

The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) has received a $3.1 million grant from NASA to further its research on neurodegenerative diseases aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This funding will support additional ground research and facilitate three more missions to the ISS through 2027.

The NSCF reports that the award will allow additional ground research and another three missions to the ISS through 2027.

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers stated that Kentucky is matching 10% of the grant, or $300,000, indicating the state’s commitment to investing in the present and future.

Dr. Paula Grisanti, with NSCF, mentioned that their research focuses on diseases such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. “In space, you can see these cells talking to each other in a way that’s not possible on Earth,” said Dr. Grisanti.

She explained that they are able to study these cells using brain organoids, which are 3-D replicas of a brain made from cells of individuals with Parkinson’s or MS. “And that is opening the door to new biomarker discovery, new cell and gene therapies for these diseases that don’t currently exist and it is mapping a place for Kentucky at the forefront of space-based innovation,” said Grisanti. She added that their upcoming missions will include organoids from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mackenzie Wallace, Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association, expressed excitement about this level of innovation, especially during a time when Alzheimer’s and Dementia research is rapidly advancing. She noted that while this research may not provide a cure for those currently affected by the disease, it remains promising. “They’re thinking about their children, their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren and what that may mean for them,” said Wallace. “That we may actually be getting to a cure someday and that in and of itself I think gives people a lot of hope.”

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