Connect with us

Technology

ISS National Lab Enables Record-Breaking Year of Space-Based Scientific Results

Published

on

More than 50 peer-reviewed articles published in fiscal year 2024, bringing all-time number to nearly 450

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Jan. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory pushed scientific boundaries and set a record in scholarly output over the past year. Results from these investigations address real-world challenges and benefit Earth’s economy.

In fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023-September 30, 2024), more than 50 peer-reviewed articles related to ISS National Lab-sponsored research were published, bringing the all-time number to nearly 450. These findings lay a robust foundation for ongoing scientific advancements that promise significant benefits for humanity. Several groundbreaking results were featured in three new issues of Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab, highlighting the broad impact of research in space to improve the lives of people on Earth.

The following list details some of the most transformative investigations, underscoring their potential to drive further innovation and valuable applications.  

Top ISS National Lab-Related Scientific Results Highlighted in 2024

      1. Biomedical Advances: 3D Printing of Human Heart Tissue

Redwire Corporation utilized its BioFabrication Facility (BFF) on the ISS to 3D print live human heart tissue. This achievement moves us closer to producing complex human tissues in space to treat damaged tissue in people on Earth, potentially revolutionizing medical treatments for many conditions.

       2. Materials Science: Manufacturing Optical Fibers

Flawless Photonics produced more than 11 kilometers of ZBLAN optical fiber onboard the ISS, including a record-setting single pull that was more than a kilometer long. This production showcases the potential for creating superior optical fibers in microgravity, which could enhance telecommunications and medical technologies on Earth.

       3. Global Monitoring: Advanced Hyperspectral Imaging

Orbital Sidekick validated its cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging technology to monitor ecological changes and potential environmental disasters from space. This validation was a crucial step for the company to offer real-time global monitoring services that provide customers with a powerful tool to solve their most pressing challenges.

       4. Agricultural Innovations: Genetic Studies in Microgravity

Clemson University research into cotton genetics under microgravity conditions uncovered new methods to enhance crop resilience and productivity, with potential applications that could benefit global agricultural practices.

       5. Neurological Insights: Studying Brain Organoids

Axonis Therapeutics grew brain organoids in space to test a new therapeutic for neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injury. The ability to self-assemble brain organoids from mature cells in space in just a few days compared to months on Earth highlights the unique benefits microgravity offers for biological research.

       6. Educational Outreach: ISS Mimic by Creatorspace

ISS Mimic, an educational product developed by Creatorspace, allows students to build a 1:100 scale model of the ISS that mimics the real-time movements of the space station using actual telemetry data. This product aims to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in schools, libraries, and museums.

       7. Fluid Dynamics Research: Bubbles Behavior Study 

An experiment from researchers at the University of Notre Dame investigated the fluid dynamics of bubble formation in microgravity. The research sought to gain a better understanding of how bubbles form and grow to improve biosensors that could be used for early and asymptomatic cancer detection.

       8. AstroRad: A Wearable Radiation Shield 

Tested by crew members on the ISS, the AstroRad vest is designed to protect astronauts from radiation during missions to the Moon and Mars. Feedback from the tests led to design tweaks improving the vest’s fit and mobility, enhancing astronaut safety.

       9. Orbital Oncology: 3D Tumor Cell Cultures in Space

MicroQuin grew 3D cultures of breast and prostate cancer cells in microgravity to better understand cancer cell behavior. The findings provided significant insights into cancer cell survival mechanisms and could lead to a therapeutic to treat all types of cancer.

       10. Preventing Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis: Tissue Chips Studies in Microgravity

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study explored the potential of utilizing tissue chips in space to better understand the underlying causes of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). The findings provided valuable insights into the biological mechanisms of PTOA, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic strategies.

       11. Testing New Technology: Astrobee Robots on Station

NASA’s free-flying Astrobee robots on the ISS have assisted with more than 150 investigations, many of which were sponsored by the ISS National Lab. One such project tested specialized microphone technology designed to identify anomalies in equipment by interpreting changes in sound. Another tested a new method to rendezvous with tumbling objects in space for satellite recovery efforts. The Astrobees are also helping inspire the next generation of scientists through MIT’s Zero Robotics program.

Laying the Groundwork for Future Innovation 
Results from ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations reflect the value of leveraging the unique environment of space to conduct high-impact research that cannot be replicated on Earth. These efforts advance our understanding of fundamental science and drive innovations that address practical challenges across healthcare, technology development, and beyond.

For detailed information and behind-the-scenes stories on results from ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations, subscribe to Upward. 

Download a high-resolution image for this release: Nanoracks External Platform 

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)

1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iss-national-lab-enables-record-breaking-year-of-space-based-scientific-results-302347261.html

SOURCE International Space Station National Lab

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Marine Biological Laboratory Appoints Nicole A. Theodosiou as Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education

Published

on

By

WOODS HOLE, Mass., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has appointed Nicole A. Theodosiou, Ph.D., as its next Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education at the Marine Biological Laboratory. She will join the MBL on September 8.

Theodosiou brings more than two decades of experience in science education, academic leadership, and program development. She joins the MBL from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where she held a number of leadership roles focused on curriculum innovation, faculty development, and undergraduate STEM education. Most recently, she served as Special Projects Director for Initiatives in Pedagogy & Course Design. Previously, she directed the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Initiative, led the Biochemistry Program, and served as a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

Throughout her career, Theodosiou has developed interdisciplinary educational programs, led faculty development initiatives, and advanced innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology Academy and served on the Society’s Board of Directors as chair of its Professional Development and Education Committee, where she helped create professional development programs and educational resources for scientists nationwide.

At the MBL, Theodosiou will lead the institution’s educational programs, including its internationally renowned Advanced Research Training Courses (ARTCs), undergraduate and high school programs, and other educational initiatives that support the Laboratory’s mission of advancing biological discovery through research and education.

“Education has been central to the MBL’s mission since our founding in 1888,” said Nipam H. Patel, Director of the MBL. “Nicole brings a remarkable combination of scientific expertise, educational leadership, and strategic vision. Her commitment to experiential learning and developing innovative educational programs makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team as we work to magnify the MBL’s educational impact for the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou has maintained a longstanding connection to the MBL throughout her career. She participated in the Laboratory’s Gene Regulatory Networks course in 2015, collaborated with the Marine Resource Center in support of her research, and has mentored students who have participated in MBL educational programs. She has described the MBL’s educational ecosystem as “unparalleled” and its tradition of learning by doing as closely aligned with her own philosophy of science education.

“The MBL has always been a place where scientific discovery and education go hand in hand,” said Theodosiou. “Its tradition of learning by doing and global community has inspired generations of researchers, including myself. I’m honored to join the MBL community and look forward to strengthening and building on its extraordinary legacy to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou earned a Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Swarthmore College. Her research as a developmental biologist has focused on vertebrate evolution and development, while her educational leadership has emphasized creating accessible, research-driven learning environments that integrate science, education, and communication.

About the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery—exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cummis
Scummis@mbl.edu
973-800-4118

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marine-biological-laboratory-appoints-nicole-a-theodosiou-as-burroughs-wellcome-director-of-education-302833514.html

SOURCE Marine Biological Laboratory

Continue Reading

Technology

Marine Biological Laboratory Appoints Nicole A. Theodosiou as Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education

Published

on

By

WOODS HOLE, Mass., July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has appointed Nicole A. Theodosiou, Ph.D., as its next Burroughs Wellcome Director of Education at the Marine Biological Laboratory. She will join the MBL on September 8.

Theodosiou brings more than two decades of experience in science education, academic leadership, and program development. She joins the MBL from Union College in Schenectady, New York, where she held a number of leadership roles focused on curriculum innovation, faculty development, and undergraduate STEM education. Most recently, she served as Special Projects Director for Initiatives in Pedagogy & Course Design. Previously, she directed the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Initiative, led the Biochemistry Program, and served as a faculty member in the Department of Biology.

Throughout her career, Theodosiou has developed interdisciplinary educational programs, led faculty development initiatives, and advanced innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology Academy and served on the Society’s Board of Directors as chair of its Professional Development and Education Committee, where she helped create professional development programs and educational resources for scientists nationwide.

At the MBL, Theodosiou will lead the institution’s educational programs, including its internationally renowned Advanced Research Training Courses (ARTCs), undergraduate and high school programs, and other educational initiatives that support the Laboratory’s mission of advancing biological discovery through research and education.

“Education has been central to the MBL’s mission since our founding in 1888,” said Nipam H. Patel, Director of the MBL. “Nicole brings a remarkable combination of scientific expertise, educational leadership, and strategic vision. Her commitment to experiential learning and developing innovative educational programs makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team as we work to magnify the MBL’s educational impact for the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou has maintained a longstanding connection to the MBL throughout her career. She participated in the Laboratory’s Gene Regulatory Networks course in 2015, collaborated with the Marine Resource Center in support of her research, and has mentored students who have participated in MBL educational programs. She has described the MBL’s educational ecosystem as “unparalleled” and its tradition of learning by doing as closely aligned with her own philosophy of science education.

“The MBL has always been a place where scientific discovery and education go hand in hand,” said Theodosiou. “Its tradition of learning by doing and global community has inspired generations of researchers, including myself. I’m honored to join the MBL community and look forward to strengthening and building on its extraordinary legacy to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. “

Theodosiou earned a Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Swarthmore College. Her research as a developmental biologist has focused on vertebrate evolution and development, while her educational leadership has emphasized creating accessible, research-driven learning environments that integrate science, education, and communication.

About the Marine Biological Laboratory

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery—exploring fundamental biology, understanding biodiversity and the environment, and informing the human condition through research and education. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution.

Media Contact:
Samantha Cummis
Scummis@mbl.edu
973-800-4118

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marine-biological-laboratory-appoints-nicole-a-theodosiou-as-burroughs-wellcome-director-of-education-302833514.html

SOURCE Marine Biological Laboratory

Continue Reading

Technology

Canada’s investment industry and business community welcome Ontario’s commitment to join regulatory passport system

Published

on

By

Industry, business, and professional associations voice strong support for greater regulatory harmonization and a more competitive Canadian economy

TORONTO, July 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Canada’s investment industry and business community welcome Ontario’s commitment to join the country’s securities regulatory passport system, marking a significant step toward greater regulatory harmonization and a more efficient and competitive Canadian capital market.

A coalition of associations representing firms and professionals from across Canada’s capital markets sector, together with a broad cross-section of the business community, strongly supports the announcement by Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy at the recent meeting of Canada’s finance ministers, convened by Federal Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and supported by their provincial and territorial counterparts.

Ontario’s participation in the passport system will make it easier for firms to operate and raise capital across Canada, while reducing unnecessary regulatory duplication and costs. More broadly, it advances the national effort to remove internal trade barriers, boost productivity and strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness.

The passport system has already demonstrated that greater regulatory coordination can be achieved while respecting provincial jurisdiction. Participating regulators retain their authority and distinct roles, while firms benefit from a system in which decisions made by a principal regulator are generally recognized across participating jurisdictions.

Ontario’s participation creates an opportunity not only to reduce duplication but also to strengthen the system as a whole. A more integrated model can better leverage the expertise and capabilities of regulators across the country, creating opportunities for greater regulatory specialization and leadership in areas where individual jurisdictions have particular strengths.

For firms, greater harmonization means more predictable regulation, less duplication, and a more efficient regulatory environment. For investors, it supports a framework that maintains strong investor protection while responding more effectively to an increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace. For Canada, it helps create a more attractive environment in which to invest, launch new products and raise capital.

This coalition stands ready to work with governments and securities regulators across Canada to support Ontario’s timely and successful implementation of the passport system and build on the progress already made. We encourage all parties to move quickly to bring Ontario into the existing framework, while preserving the features that have made the passport system work so effectively.

Ontario’s commitment is a milestone and an important step toward a more integrated, efficient and competitive capital market that will strengthen the Canadian economy and better serve Canadian investors and businesses.

About the coalition

The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. 

The Canadian ETF Association (CETFA) is the national voice of Canada’s ETF industry, representing approximately 96 per cent of exchange traded fund (ETF) assets in Canada. CETFA promotes the growth, sustainability and integrity of Canada’s ETF industry. It keeps investment professionals informed about ETF developments, educates investors about ETFs and their benefits, and debunks ETF myths.

CFA Societies Canada is a collaboration of the 12 Canadian CFA Institute member societies, representing over 21,000 CFA charter holders in Canada. Its mission is to lead the investment profession in Canada by advancing the highest professional standards, integrity, and ethics for the ultimate benefit of Canadian society.

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) is one of the most influential accounting organizations in the world. As a non-regulatory body comprised of individual CPA members, CPA Canada supports the profession and represents Canadian CPAs at the national and international levels. Nationally, CPA Canada acts in the public interest to promote transparency in financial markets, prepares CPAs for a rapidly evolving business environment through extensive guidance and programming and contributes to standard setting and policy making. Globally, CPA Canada works together with international bodies to build a stronger accounting profession worldwide. Its dedicated efforts help shape public policy, influence regulatory frameworks and establish high professional standards that reflect the evolving needs of the accounting industry.

The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) is the global representative of the alternative investment industry, with around 2,100 corporate members in over 60 countries. AIMA’s fund manager members collectively manage more than US$4 trillion in hedge fund and private credit assets. AIMA draws upon the expertise and diversity of its membership to provide leadership in industry initiatives such as advocacy, policy and regulatory engagement, educational programs and sound practice guides. AIMA works to raise media and public awareness of the value of the industry. AIMA set up the Alternative Credit Council (ACC) to help firms focused in the private credit and direct lending space. The ACC currently represents over 250 members that manage US$2 trillion of private credit assets globally. AIMA is committed to developing skills and education standards and is a co-founder of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation (CAIA) – the first and only specialized educational standard for alternative investment specialists. AIMA is governed by its Council (Board of Directors). AIMA was founded in 1990, with the AIMA Canada subsidiary formed in 2003.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

The Pension Investment Association of Canada (PIAC) has been the foremost voice for Canadian pension funds in matters related to pension investment and governance since 1977. PIAC is composed of over 130 of the largest pension plans in the country who manage over $3.5 trillion of assets on behalf of millions of Canadians. Its mission is to promote sound investment practices and good governance for the benefit of plan sponsors and beneficiaries.

The Portfolio Management Association of Canada (PMAC) represents over 300 asset management firms that manage more than $4 trillion in assets. Members are all fiduciaries managing investments in the best interests of their clients, which include private individuals, foundations, universities and pension plans. PMAC employs a collaborative information-sharing business model and advocates on behalf of its members on securities regulation and government policy matters. The association’s mission is to advocate the highest standards of unbiased portfolio management in the interest of investors served by members.

The Securities and Investment Management Association (SIMA) empowers Canada’s investment industry. The association, formerly The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC), is the leading voice for the securities and investment management industry, which oversees approximately $4.5 trillion in assets for over 20 million investors and the Canadian capital markets. Our members–including investment fund managers, investment and mutual fund dealers, capital markets participants, and professional service providers–are committed to creating a resilient, innovative investment sector that fuels long-term economic growth and creates opportunities for all Canadians.

SOURCE Securities and Investment Management Association

Continue Reading

Trending