Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31562: Crystals in Space: How Fremont Students Explored Protein Behavior in Microgravity

Proteins are the building blocks of life, and how they form structures—like crystals—can affect everything from medicine to food. Fremont Christian High School students set out to explore this in the NanoRacks-Fremont Christian School-Microgravity Crystallization and Protein Coagulation Research Comparison. The experiment, flown on Expedition 39/40, compared protein crystallization and coagulation in space versus Earth.

In microgravity, crystals often grow more slowly and more perfectly than on Earth, allowing better study of their structure. These clearer structures can lead to more effective drugs and a deeper understanding of biological processes. Students sent protein samples aboard the ISS, then conducted parallel experiments back on Earth for comparison.

The results highlighted how space can act as a unique laboratory for studying complex biological phenomena. The project not only educated students in molecular biology and chemistry but also inspired careers in science through hands-on experience.

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