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Experiment Catches Ride With Shuttle |
| By
Tobin J. Klinger |
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Dec 4, 2001 |
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| Dr. Gloria Borgstahl talked with a reporter from NBC 24 News about her protein crystallization experiment, which will be launched with the space shuttle Endeavour. |
Dr. Gloria Borgstahl is one of many Americans eager to see the space shuttle Endeavour leave the launch pad. But Borgstahl’s interest is a bit greater than most because part of the shuttle’s cargo is an instrumental part of her research.
“We’ve worked very hard up until this point over several years,” said the assistant professor of chemistry. “Now we just have our fingers crossed.”
A protein crystallization experiment, developed by Borgstahl, is being carried by Endeavour to the International Space Station. Last Thursday’s launch from Kennedy Space Center had to be postponed until today at 5:45 p.m.
A postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Ardeschir Vahedi-Faridi, and an undergraduate student, Jason Porta, have assisted Borgstahl in her efforts. The group is examining effects of micro-gravity on crystal size and perfection. They hope this experiment will help them further examine protein biochemistry. Their work could ultimately have an impact on research into late onset diseases, including Lou Gehrig’s disease and diabetes.
The research is funded through an $830,000 NASA biotechnology award. This is the first year of the three-year renewal grant.
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