Biology and Biotechnology

Scientists in this branch study a wide range of physiological processes pertinent to radiation biology and other aspects of long-duration space flight including low gravity, using cellular systems, tissue studies and model organisms. Topics include: bone biology, cell signal transduction, developmental biology and neuro-vestibular adaptation ranging from basic science to biotechnology. Ames scientists are involved in collaborations with Russian investigators on experiments flown on the unmanned FOTON missions, including the upcoming FOTON-M3 scheduled for fall 2008.