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Microgravity Research on Cancer Cells Takes the Next Step Into Space

The University of Technology in Sydney (UTS) collaborated with DKSH to research advanced cellular biology to better understand the effects of microgravity on cancer cells.

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UTS offers over 130 undergraduate and 210 postgraduate courses across traditional and emerging disciplines such as architecture, built environment, business, communication, design, education, engineering, information technology, international studies, law, midwifery, nursing, pharmacy, and science.

With more than 50 research centers and institutes, research work spans a range of disciplines, including physical, biological and engineering sciences, and contemporary fields such as design, nanotechnology, and sustainability.

Microgravity Research on Cancer Cells Takes the Next Step Into Space

Challenge

The key research objective set out by the UTS team was to better understand the effects of microgravity on cancer cells specifically on four of the most aggressive types of cancer: ovarian, breast, nose, and lung.

Approach

Dr. Joshua Chou and his team at the UTS designed and developed Australia’s first microgravity device. Similar to something astronauts would train in but scaled down to the size of a tissue box, the platform allowed researchers to study different diseases in a simulated microgravity environment.

To help support this research, DKSH Technology supplied UTS with the device incorporated with specialized ibidi micro-patterned slides (µ-Slide I Luer) allowing for various 2D and 3D cell analysis experiments to be conducted. This device helped to simulate microgravity and access the impact it has on cancer cells.

Result

The results from the experiment when using this device demonstrated that some cancer cells reduce in number under simulated microgravity conditions. Dr. Chou said that when placed in a microgravity environment, 80 to 90 percent of the cells were disabled in the four different cancer types tested: ovarian, breast, nose, and lung.

Following the successful laboratory trials, the research team will conduct a further mission and launch its research to the International Space Station to verify its findings.

The ibidi products used in this research were world-leading functional cell-based assays and technologies that assist researchers to understand cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and autoimmune diseases. We are also thrilled to see such pioneering work performed by researchers here in Australia and are honored to partner with such an innovative and quality-focused company like ibidi.

Sean Barker, Product Manager for Life Science, DKSH Australia

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