College of Graduate Studies
NASA Related Biomedical Research
The effects of space flight on physiological systems are profound and often detrimental to human health. For example, microgravity the condition of near-weightlessness that accompanies space flight, can cause changes in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems that reduce bone density, cardiac output and muscle strength. Additionally, microgravity can also alter neural architecture, impacting the central nervous system. Given the potential for these responses to compromise mission performance, NASA is promoting biomedical research efforts aimed at understanding the physiological responses to spaceflight. Several investigators at MUSC have ongoing research projects that are related directly or indirectly to NASA biomedical research aims. These projects range from investigations of the effects of microgravity on cells and tissues to the development of biomaterials and tissue fabrication procedures.