[ Sound Effects ]
Hello. I'm Fran Chiaramonte, the Program Executive
for Physical Sciences at NASA Headquarters for the Space Life
and Physical Sciences Division.
Today I'd like to talk to you about colloidal systems
and biological macromolecule experiments
on the International Space Station.
Our colloidal program that we have developed is international
in nature.
Before the most recent NASA research announcement selections
were made, the program consisted of seven investigations.
Four of them from NASA, two from ESA, and one from South Korea.
One of the U.S. investigations, as a matter of fact,
is funded by a major U.S. corporation working
through CASIS, also known as the Center
for Advancement of Science in Space.
With our NASA research announcement,
we added three new, additional investigations in colloids
and three new investigations in macromolecular biophysics.
All the investigations were to use Light Microscopy Module
on the International Space Station.
For the colloidal experiments,
we are building four sample modules, a basic module,
a module with simple heating,
a module with a refined temperature control
which can include a temperature gradient, and a module
where we can apply electric fields.
For the biology experiments, on the other hand,
we are building one, unique sample module.
This module will be able to use a syringe
to inject biological samples directly into the sample cell
with the help of the astronauts.
The samples can then be preserved by freezing them
on orbit for additional study on earth.
Currently, the microscope collects two-dimensional slices
of either the colloidal or biological samples
that are being studied.
Ultimately, we will add confocal microscopy,
which is really the prize.
This will give us 3D renderings of any sample being studied.
The advantage of microgravity for colloids is
that the particles no longer settle or jam,
but remain suspended in solution.
The aim is to observe colloidal processes, to understand them,
to learn how to control them,
using the microgravity environment
of the International Space Station.
These colloidal systems may be used to model anatomic systems,
and to build nanotechnology devices.
We will be able to make new structures
by using self-assembly, which should lead to novel items,
such as nanopumps, and photonic crystals,
for future optical switching and computing.
For biological macromolecules, on the other hand,
we have seen larger crystals with fewer defects
when grown in microgravity.
This occurs because molecular transport is
diffusion-controlled in space instead of being driven
by natural convection, as it is on earth.
Higher crystal quality will help us determine the structure
and which drugs can bind with that structure.
Typically, the goal is to bind the drug with the macromolecule
to prevent it from doing any further damage.
What I've just described is the way forward
for colloidal research and the study
of macromolecules using the microscope
on the International Space Station.
We hope to have future opportunities
to select researchers, such as yourselves,
to join us in this international program.
Thank you.