MVP Cell - 09

An image of the cardiac tissue chip with an array of cardiac tissues as part of MVP Cell-09. This investigation aims to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Streptococcus pneumoniae, the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia damages heart tissue. Bacteria are generally more active and virulent in the unique conditions of space. Investigators hypothesize microgravity may amplify the effects of Streptococcus pneumoniae on heart cells, exaggerating important cell responses that would not be detected on Earth. Credit. University of Alabama at Birmingham.