Researchers Send Bacteria Into Orbit Aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis
A team of researchers from Rensselaer will send an army of microorganisms into space next week, to investigate new ways of preventing the formation and spread of biofilms, or clusters of bacteria, that could pose a threat to the health of astronauts. The Micro-2 experiment, led by Cynthia Collins, assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, is scheduled to launch into orbit on May 14 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. The microorganisms will spend a week in space before returning to Earth aboard the shuttle. Within just a few hours after the shuttle's return, Collins will be able to examine the bacteria and resulting biofilms to see how their growth and development were impacted by microgravity. The samples also will be returned to Rensselaer, to be examined using the core facilities of the Institute's Centre for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies. Read more