The research will test how stem cells respond to a zero-gravity environment.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s blast off for a childhood dream for a Jacksonville doctor.
Stem cell research done at the Mayo Clinic will be on board the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket set to launch early Sunday morning.
Mayo Clinic wants to test the effect of zero gravity on stem cell growth, so the rocket will bring the cells to the International Space Station.
“It’s about giving hope,” Dr. Abba Zubair said. “Some solutions, you may have to go far or think out of the box to find the answers.”
During his investigation into the potential of stem cells to assist those who have experienced bone density loss, Zubair took an unconventional approach — extending his thinking into outer space.
“This has always been my dream since childhood,” Zubair shared. “I aspired to be an astronaut, but I became a doctor instead. I’m trying to combine my passion for space with my professional work.”
NASA picked Zubair’s stem cell research at the Mayo Clinic to go on the SpaceX Falcon 9 for an experiment.
“One major challenge with stem cells is their difficulty to cultivate, so we’re examining whether the lack of gravity can enhance their growth rate,” explained Zubair.
“This study would shed light on biology, how our body functions and treatment for bone loss, which could be applied on Earth,” Zubair added.
The other half of Zubair’s research will test a new compound to see if it can help slow bone loss among astronauts.
“Even though they are doing a lot of exercise, they lose about 1% of their bone mass per month,” Zubair said.
Zubair says studies like this are necessary for astronauts to take the next step in space exploration.
“If we consider a future where humans become a multi-planetary species, possibly colonizing Mars or other planets, it is crucial to comprehend how our bodies would operate in such conditions,” Zubair noted.
Although only the stem cells are heading to space currently, Zubair is eager for the opportunity to fulfill his astronaut ambitions and personally conduct the research in space.
“I still have some gray hair, but I run and exercise to stay ready, just in case opportunity comes,” Zubair said.
Zubair plans to watch the SpaceX launch in person at 2:45 a.m. Sunday down in Cape Canaveral.
It won’t only have the Mayo Clinic stem cells, but also thousands of pounds of supplies for the astronauts and the space station.
