Study of the Effects of Spaceflight on the Aging of C. elegans (Space Aging)
iss043e124204 (4/18/2015) --- A view of the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) rack in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the Space Aging investigation. The purpose of the experiment is to study the effects of weightlessness in space flight on the aging of the C. elegans roundworm, a model organism for a range of biological studies. Microgravity causes a number of physiological changes, like heart and bone deconditioning, involving mechanisms that are poorly understood and may affect the rate at which organisms and astronauts age. The Space Aging experiment will grow millimeter-long C. elegans roundworms in microgravity and compare their health and longevity with controlled specimens on Earth.
Usage Rights
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
Details
NASA ID
iss043e124204
Date Created
April 18, 2015
Center
JSC
Media Type
image
Photographer
Scott Kelly
Downloads
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.