Cancer Cells Tamed By Trip To Outer Space
High magnification micrograph of a form of thyroid cancer High magnification micrograph of a form of thyroid cancer http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Papillary_thyroid_carcinoma_tall_... Low gravity may inhibit the growth and spread of thyroid cancer cells. In newly published research, experimental biologists describe the responses of thyroid cancer cell cultures to 22 seconds of simulated microgravity via a parabolic flight campaign (better known as the "vomit comet" to astronaut trainees), compared to 10 days orbiting in the real void, aboard China's unmanned Shenzou 8 spacecraft in 2011. Many genes and proteins involved in malignant cell growth and metastasis changed behavior in both tests, becoming less aggressive than they would have been on Earth. The scientists don't recommend new investments in orbital health clinics, unfortunately--but do believe that that on-the-ground treatments for cancer may improve as cancer cells give up more of their secrets in space-borne experiments like these. The research appears in...