Exploits the promise and advantages of interdisciplinary research to develop revolutionary technologies needed to accomplish NASA's exploration missions and to ensure safety and health of astronauts. Capabilities include cell culture lab for mammalian cell culture with immunofluorescence staining, cryostorage, RNA isolation and gel electrophoresis capabilities; state-of-the-art microscopy including two photon microscopes, confocal microscope, and stereo microscope; state-of-the-art optics labs; and quail egg culture lab.

The biological science research is aimed at developing innovative sensors, technologies, analytic models, and countermeasures to mitigate the effects of sustained microgravity and other space environment on human health during the mission. This interdisciplinary research leverages unique Glenn Research Center's expertise in sensor technologies and fluid physics and established partnerships with the world's leading medical institutions.

Research Areas:

• Novel optical probes for interrogating physical and biological systems at micro and nano scales
• Advanced microscopy to study biological systems and phenomena at cellular and sub cellular scales
• Noninvasive optical diagnostics tools for measurement of metabolic parameters (e.g., blood glucose, blood oxygen, etc.) and detection of diseases (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes etc.)
• Computational and analytical modeling of complex interactive systems such as soft-tissue mechanics including elastic, viscoelastic, poroelastic, microstructural and cell dynamics
• Optical diagnostics and characterization of physical systems e.g., three-dimensional stereo imaging velocimetry, laser light scattering, Raman scattering, and polarimetry
• Quantitative studies of angiogenesis and vascularization in human retina and model systems such quail egg chorioallantoic membrane

Contact:
Bhim S. Singh, Acting Division Chief
Bhim.S.Singh@nasa.gov
(216) 433-5396