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Cancer Research in Space for Life on Earth: Five Projects Selected Through ISS National Lab Solicitation in Partnership With NASA

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Inaugural Igniting Innovation research announcement is providing more than $7 million in funding to advance cancer research through space-based R&D

BOSTON, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory, in partnership with NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division, jointly announced the selection of five projects through the inaugural Igniting Innovation solicitation for cancer and other disease-related research and technology development on the ISS. The projects, which were announced at the annual ISS Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) in Boston, will harness the unique microgravity environment to advance cancer research to benefit patients on Earth. 

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 2 million cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and more than 600,000 people will die from the disease. Cancer and other disease-related research on the space station is critical not only to the ISS National Lab and NASA but also to the Biden-Harris administration and its Cancer Moonshot initiative. Through the inaugural Igniting Innovating solicitation, more than $7 million in total funding is being awarded to the selected research teams. Each team intends to fly multiple projects to the orbiting laboratory through this research announcement.

“Over the years, the space station has been a catalyst for biomedical research that has profound impacts on patient care on Earth,” said Ray Lugo, chief executive officer for the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, manager of the ISS National Lab. “Through this inaugural Igniting Innovation research announcement, the ISS National Lab and NASA focused funding efforts to specifically target cancer through space-based research, and we look forward to working with the selected projects as they push the boundaries of research and innovation to develop more effective therapeutics for those impacted by this devastating disease.”

The selected projects are listed below:

Mari Anne Snow, Eascra Biotech: This project seeks to produce cancer therapeutics in space using Janus base nanomaterials (JBNs) designed to target drug delivery to solid tumors, improving cancer treatment and reducing side effects. JBNs are formed by DNA-inspired building blocks that self-assemble. Producing JBNs in microgravity could make them more uniform, increasing both safety and efficacy. This would allow JBNs to carry larger amounts of drugs for more effective treatment. This project builds on prior space station research that Eascra and the University of Connecticut conducted with support from Axiom Space to examine the use of JBNs to treat arthritis.Arun Sharma, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: This project aims to grow cardiac spheroids with blood vessels from induced pluripotent stem cells in space for cardiovascular disease modeling and to test how cancer drugs affect the heart. In space, cells grow into 3D structures that are more like cell growth in the body. Blood vessels may also grow better within the spheroids in microgravity. Space-grown cardiac spheroids could provide a better disease model to study cardiovascular disease and test cancer drug toxicity. Additionally, on Northrop Grumman’s 21st Commercial Resupply Services mission (NG-21) to the ISS, slated for early August, the Cedars-Sinai team intends to launch a regenerative medicine investigation supporting the in-space manufacturing of stem cells, building on prior space studies. Catriona Jamieson, University of California, San Diego: This project seeks to use patient-derived tumor organoids to study accelerated cancer development in microgravity and identify new cancer therapeutic targets. After cancer treatment, cancer stem cells can remain in the body. These cancer cells self-renew, evade the immune system, and develop resistance, resulting in their ability to spread throughout the body. The research team will observe the rate of cancer stem cell growth in space, where cancer cells can grow more quickly, to test whether blocking a specific enzyme prevents cancer stem cell growth. Results could lead to new treatments that target evasive cancer stem cells to prevent cancer recurrence. The UCSD team has launched multiple investigations to the ISS through private astronaut missions and NASA-sponsored missions.Cassian Yee, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center: This project aims to use microgravity to better understand how T cells work in order to develop new immunotherapy treatments for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. T cells are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune system. Previous research has shown that microgravity induces changes in the structure and function of these cells. The team will study T cells in space to better understand what controls them, and results could lead to improved immunotherapy drugs that use the immune system to fight cancer.Shay Soker, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM): This project seeks to use organoids created from cells recovered from colorectal cancer patients to see if chemotherapy works better in space, offering insight into improved chemotherapies. Microgravity causes changes in cancer cells that may make them more sensitive to chemotherapy. The team will study how spaceflight changes gene expression in the organoids to identify targets for new, more effective chemotherapy drugs. Results from this project could also lead to personalized cancer treatment. WFIRM is actively involved in research on the space station and will launch an investigation on NG-21 analyzing the behavior of engineered liver constructs, which could lead to in-space production of tissues for organ transplants on Earth.

All five research teams intend to work with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Axiom Space, together with BioServe Space Technologies, who will provide engineering and logistical support to prepare the projects for spaceflight and successful operations on station.

“We are thrilled to support this critical in-space cancer research,” said Lisa Carnell, director of NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division. “The unique microgravity environment of space offers incredible opportunities for researchers to study the effects of spaceflight stressors on human tissue. This research could be used not only to help protect crew health on long-duration missions but also to contribute to initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot and improved treatment options for patients here on Earth.”

The final award of funding is contingent upon acceptance of legal terms and conditions between the recipients, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™, which manages the ISS National Lab, and NASA’s BPS division.

The ISS National Lab and NASA plan to announce the 2024 Igniting Innovation solicitation in August. This research announcement is focused on leveraging the space environment to address challenges that hinder progress in preventing, diagnosing, and treating the most challenging diseases of our time, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease.

To download a high-resolution image for this release, click here.

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page. 

Media Contact:

Patrick O’Neill 

904-806-0035 

PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org

 

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory

Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS)

6905 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 500, Melbourne, FL 32940 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

 

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Smarter Cars, Robots and Disease Prevention: WSTDF Examines How Future Industries Take Shape

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October 22, 2026

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CHONGQING, China, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from iChongqing.

The 2026 World Science and Technology Development Forum opened in Chongqing on October 21, bringing together around 800 participants, including experts and scholars, to explore how automotive technology, robotics and other advances could shape future industries.

Wang Guangqian, President of the China Association for Science and Technology, called for technological breakthroughs, closer integration of technological and industrial innovation, greener development and stronger technology governance. He emphasized that future industries connect science and technology with the economy.

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, described engineering as a bridge between scientific discovery and industrial practice. He stressed that achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals requires stronger international scientific cooperation and participation by all countries and communities.

Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group, said cars were evolving from transportation tools into “self-evolving intelligent car robots.” The automotive industry is increasingly integrating AI, chips, communications and big data, with applications extending into energy and urban governance. In Chongqing, vehicle-road-cloud data integration supports traffic management, while vehicle-to-grid interaction and integrated energy systems could turn vehicles into mobile nodes in green energy networks.

David Lopez Perez, Professor at Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, Spain, outlined applications ranging from urban drones and industrial inspection robots to humanoid assistants for older adults. Robots must reason, plan and coordinate, supported by digital twins, intelligent systems and future 6G networks. Interoperability and standardization remain essential.

Nils Stenseth, Member of Academia Europaea and Professor at the University of Oslo, described using air travel data to build a digital twin model exploring how to prevent local epidemics from becoming global pandemics. He highlighted multisource data, digital technologies and a strong global surveillance network as tools for addressing emerging pathogens.

Together, these examples underscored the importance of interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and international cooperation in translating advanced technologies into practical solutions.

The opening ceremony also released the Top 10 Science and Technology Foresights of 2026, covering areas including AI, brain-computer interfaces and space resource development, alongside an intelligent sensing industry map and other outcomes.

Held in Chongqing for the first time since its launch in 2019, the forum ran through October 23, featuring 12 parallel forums on intelligent sensing, AI-powered simulation, embodied intelligence, smart manufacturing, green energy and new-energy vehicles, among other fields.

For more information about the 2026 WSTDF, click here.

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Distribution Utility Meet (DUM 2026) to Bring Together India’s 40+ Power Distribution Utilities in Jaipur on 27-28 October 2026

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October 22, 2026

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10th Edition of the Annual Conference and Exhibition of Power Distribution Utilities for Collaborative Growth | 27–28 October 2026 | Jaipur

NEW DELHI, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) will organize the 10th edition of the Distribution Utility Meet (DUM 2026), India’s flagship annual conference and exhibition for the power distribution sector, on 27–28 October 2026 at Jaipur, Rajasthan. The milestone edition is being held in partnership with all three Rajasthan DISCOMs, Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL), Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JdVVNL) and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVVNL) as Host Utilities. DUM 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Power, NITI Aayog, Energy Department of Rajasthan Government, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and All India DISCOMs Association (AIDA). Power Foundation of India (PFI) is the Knowledge Partner, Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) is the RE Partner and Pelocal is the Powered by Partner.

Since its first edition in Bengaluru in 2017, DUM has been held in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Kochi, and Lucknow, with two digital editions in 2020 and 2021. The 9th edition in Mumbai in November 2025 drew over 600 participants, including senior officers from 45 DISCOMs. The 10th edition comes to Rajasthan, one of India’s leading renewable energy states, making Jaipur a fitting venue for discussions on integrating renewables, storage and new large loads into distribution grid. DUM 2026 is expected to bring together over 500 participants, including senior officials from 40+ DISCOMs across India and 100+ speakers, including senior utility leaders, regulators, policymakers, researchers and technology providers.

Honorable Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma is expected to inaugurate DUM 2026 along with Honorable Minister of State for Energy, Shri Heera Lal Nagar on 27th October 2026 at The Lalit, Jaipur. 

Announcing the event, Shri Reji Kumar Pillai, President, ISGF, said: “DUM has grown over ten editions into the one platform where India’s DISCOM leaders assemble together and learn from each other’s successes. As distribution utilities move from turnaround to transformation, with smart meters, distributed renewables, storage and new large loads such as AI data centres and EVs, that peer learning matters more than ever. We are delighted to bring the 10th edition to Rajasthan with all three state DISCOMs as host utilities.”

BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, The Tata Power Company Limited, Noida Power Company Limited and Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited join DUM 2026 as Co-Host Utilities. Oracle, Enspar and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) are the Thematic Session Partners, Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) is the Exchange Partner and Wirepas is the Delegate Bag Partner. WorkOnGrid, Eaton, Reformtech Co., Ltd., REConnect Energy, Radius Synergies Pvt. Ltd. and Stelmec Limited joined as Technology Innovation Partners. Power Foundation of India (PFI) is the Knowledge Partner, RRECL is the RE Partner and Pelocal is the Powered by Partner.

The DUM 2026 exhibition will showcase technologies and solutions for the distribution sector. The exhibitors include Power Foundation of India, JVVNL, The Tata Power Company Limited, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, Brodersen Systems Pvt. Ltd., Taurus Powertronics, BENTEC, REConnect Energy, Oracle, Yitran Technologies, WorkOnGrid, Eaton, Reformtech Co., Ltd., RMC India, Enspar Sustainability Pvt. Ltd., Kimbal, Madhav Engineers Pvt. Ltd., Elektrolites, Phoenix Contact, Radius Synergies Pvt. Ltd., Stelmec Limited, Deliverain Research & Solutions, Future Grid, SM Systems, RRECL, Pelocal, and Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited.

Over two days, DUM 2026 will hold seven thematic sessions on the most pressing challenges and opportunities for DISCOMs:

DISCOMs Financial Transformation and Capital Market ReadinessScaling Digital Intelligence and Advanced Smart Meter Data AnalyticsRole of RE in Managing New and Emerging Loads and Ensuring Supply Reliability and Power QualityFlexibility Solutions for Distribution Networks and CEA Standards for Solar PV and BESSClimate Resilience and Securing the Physical Assets of DISCOMsIndia Energy Stack (IES), Data Exchange Framework, Cyber Security and Data Privacy for the Digital GridsBESS Applications in Power Distribution – Select Case Studies

Discussions will cover capital market instruments such as green and sustainability-linked bonds for DISCOMs, moving smart meter analytics from pilots to population scale, grid readiness for AI data centres and EV charging, grid-forming inverters for BESS, demand flexibility and time-of-day tariffs, climate-resilient network design, and DISCOM readiness for the India Energy Stack and the CEA (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2026.

DUM is a closed-door forum for power distribution utilities, with participation by invitation for DISCOMs, government and regulatory representatives. The meet provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among the DISCOM community, technology providers and policymakers. DUM 2026 reaffirms India’s commitment to grid modernization, digitalization and the transition toward a Net Zero power sector, and to the principle that utilities grow stronger by learning from each other’s experiences.

For more information, visit www.dumindia.in

About India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF): India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) is a Think-Tank of global repute on Smart Energy, Electric Mobility and Smart Cities. ISGF, established as a Public Private Partnership initiative of Government of India in 2011, is spearheading the mission to accelerate electric grid modernization and energy transition in India. ISGF is registered as a Not-for-Profit Society under Indian Societies Act. The main objectives of ISGF are to conduct research and studies on evolving technologies related to clean energy, energy efficiency, electric mobility, energy transition and electric grid modernization relevant in the Indian context through case studies, pilot demonstrations, cost- benefit analysis and other ancillary activities. ISGF also brings together experts from policy, regulation, academia, and industry to formulate and support enabling policies, standards, and regulations. ISGF’s multidisciplinary team works closely with policymakers, regulators, utilities, academia, and industry leaders to shape enabling frameworks and standards. Website: www.indiasmartgrid.org 

About Distribution Utility Meet (DUM): DUM is ISGF’s annual conference and exhibition for India’s power distribution utilities. It brings together senior DISCOM leaders, the Ministry of Power, MNRE, CERC and SERCs, state energy departments, international utility experts, research institutions and industry to share experience, evaluate new technologies and business models, address the challenges of managing millions of distributed energy resources, and propose regulatory and policy interventions for DISCOM sustainability. Website: www.dumindia.in

 

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TIER IV and Technical University of Munich Bring NVIDIA Hyperion to Level 4 Autonomous Driving in Germany

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October 22, 2026

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Announced at NVIDIA GTC Berlin, the initiative builds on the TUM Autoware Research Center by TIER IV and integrates NVIDIA Hyperion and Halos safety system to accelerate next-generation autonomous mobility

TOKYO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TIER IV, the pioneering force behind Autoware, the world’s leading open-source software for autonomous driving, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) today announced an expanded collaboration centered on NVIDIA Hyperion and NVIDIA Halos safety system to scale safe, high-performance autonomous driving systems across Germany.

NVIDIA Hyperion is a reference sensor and compute platform for Level 4 autonomous vehicles and robotaxis. It combines NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor accelerated computing with the NVIDIA Halos safety system to accelerate safe, production-ready autonomy.

Building upon the recent establishment of the TUM Autoware Research Center by TIER IV, the initiative will integrate NVIDIA Hyperion, including high-performance dual-DRIVE AGX Thor configurations into Autoware-based autonomous vehicle projects across Germany.

By bringing together NVIDIA’s automotive-grade compute and safety technologies, Autoware’s open-source software and TUM’s automotive research expertise, the initiative will provide researchers and developers with a powerful environment for building, testing and validating next-generation autonomous driving systems.

The work will focus on translating advanced research into safe, scalable real-world deployments, including autonomous public transportation and robotaxi applications.

“To transition autonomous mobility from academic research to trusted, real-world deployment, leveraging cutting-edge hardware such as NVIDIA Hyperion alongside leading open-source platforms like Autoware is essential. This partnership allows us to rigorously test autonomous vehicle systems on German roads, ensuring public transit solutions are built on transparent, verifiably safe, and collaborative technology rather than restrictive proprietary systems,” said Prof. Markus Lienkamp, Technical University of Munich.

“Building on years of joint work on Autoware between TUM and TIER IV, integrating advanced platforms like NVIDIA Hyperion lets us push real-time vehicle control and software architecture to a whole new level,” added Prof. Johannes Betz.

Shinpei Kato, founder and CEO of TIER IV, commented, “Scaling safe autonomous driving globally requires moving beyond closed, black box systems toward open, interoperable architectures. TUM is an exceptional partner for advancing cutting-edge research, and NVIDIA Hyperion, together with NVIDIA’s leadership in high-performance compute and commitment to open-source software ecosystems, provides the solid foundation needed to accelerate scalable, publicly trusted autonomous transit in Germany and beyond.”

“NVIDIA Hyperion provides the reference sensor and compute architecture needed to develop Level 4 autonomous vehicles and robotaxis at scale,” said Rishi Dhall, vice president of automotive at NVIDIA. “Together with TIER IV and TUM, we are combining NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor and the NVIDIA Halos safety system with an open-source autonomous driving platform to accelerate safe, production-ready autonomy.”

*Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation.

Media Contact: pr@tier4.jp

 

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SOURCE TIER IV, Inc.

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