Tissue Chips in Space
February 5, 2019 | Terry Sharrer
Microfluidic chips that mimic human tissues are well established in medical and pharmaceutical research, but using them in the microgravity of space adds a new dimension. Without gravity, air bubbles in the device don’t rise to the surface, but rather remain in the tubes (unless they are drawn off) and cause features that resemble aging or disease. For that reason, NASA, NIH and several other agencies are pursuing their “Tissue Chip in Space Initiative.” MORE WITH VIDEO
Image Credit: NASA and NIH and ECNMag.com