The convergence of space physiology and ground-based medical science: An engineering solution attendant to the effect of biological applications.

摘要

This PDE is an overview of the emergence of the Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) as a scientifically recognized analogue for microgravity research and gives examples of how it is currently being used as such in a series of three chapters. In chapter one the task of conducting cell biology (three-dimensional biology/physiology) research in microgravity and understanding how this unique environment effects and promotes the discovery of new methods to address enduring questions is discussed. The solution requires a multidisciplinary approach; both a biological and an engineering solution. Chapter 1, illuminates those challenges and rationales, describes the methods that have been employed to approximate the microgravity environment in an Earth or one gravity (1G) environment, demonstrates the evolution of equipment which led to the development of devices like the RWV to address cell biology in microgravity, and ultimately, reviews the historical perspectives surrounding bioengineering several analogues to mimic microgravity.; Chapter 2 details the utilization of the RWV to construct three-dimensional tissue models of the Bowhead whale, an endangered species, for the potential study of global marine mammal toxicology. In this same work, the discovery of the molecular genetic composition of the Bowhead metallothionein protein is presented for the first time.; Chapter 3 illustrates the ability to combine RWV technology, time varying electromagnetic fields (TVEMF), and cell physiology to accomplish the construct of two and three-dimensional models of normal human neural cells and the ability to stimulate these cells to proliferate at an accelerated rate. Additionally, the molecular genetic “finger print” for this enhanced growth is presented. This is the first documented data for the response of mammalian cells to this specific growth stimulus.; Finally, the epilogue outlines briefly the implications of the achievements thus far, the possibilities for future work and the vision for the future of space based research.