Growing bone in space: UCLA, CASIS, NASA team up to test stem cells and bone degeneration

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January 22, 2015

The International Space Station. (Credit: NASA)

Brett Smith for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

UCLA scientists researching bone-loss prevention strategies are set to begin trail that will ultimately see rodents sent up to the International Space Station.

The research team said they hope their work will lead to better treatment strategies for osteoporosis, more efficient methods of bone repair and ways to prevent bone loss during lengthy space travel.

With grant funding provided by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the UCLA study will focus on the efficacy of a molecule called NELL-1 in causing stem cells to trigger bone growth and halt bone degeneration.

NELL-1 holds tremendous hope,not onlyforpreventing bone lossbutone day even restoringhealthy bone, said team member Dr. Kang Ting,a professorin dentistryat UCLA. For patients who are bed-bound and suffering from bone loss, it could be life-changing.

The UCLA team will mostly be responsible for performing ground-based rodent trials of NELL-1, while NASA and CASIS will take responsibility for trials conducted aboard the ISS.

A group of 40 rodents will be sent to the International Space Station US National Laboratory onboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, where they will live for two months in a microgravity environment during the first ever test of NELL-1 in space, said Julie Robinson,NASAs chief scientist for the International Space Station program at the Johnson Space Center.

The space-based studies will enable the examination of NELL-1 in way that would not be possible on Earth, the researchers said.

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Growing bone in space: UCLA, CASIS, NASA team up to test stem cells and bone degeneration

Marshall Space Flight Center video of meteor seen over Tennessee on Jan. 17, 2015 – Video

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Marshall Space Flight Center video of meteor seen over Tennessee on Jan. 17, 2015
Video from a Marshall Space Flight Center camera in Huntsville, Ala., of a meteor that crossed over Tennessee on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2015. Details from ...

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Growing bone in space: Study to test therapy for bone loss on the International Space Station

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UCLA has received grant funding from the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) to lead a research mission that will send rodents to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission will allow astronauts on the space station and scientists on Earth to test a potential new therapy for accelerating bone growth in humans.

The research will be led by Dr. Chia Soo, a UCLA professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery and orthopaedic surgery, who is member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research. Soo is also research director for UCLA Operation Mend, which provides medical care for wounded warriors. The study will test the ability of a bone-forming molecule called NELL-1 to direct stem cells to induce bone formation and prevent bone degeneration.

Other members of the UCLA research team are Dr. Kang Ting, a professor in dentistry who discovered NELL-1 and is leading efforts to translate NELL-1 therapy to humans, Dr. Ben Wu, a professor of bioengineering who modified the NELL-1 molecule to make useful for treating osteoporosis, and Dr. Jin Hee Kwak, an assistant professor of dentistry who will manage daily operations.

Based on results of previous studies supported by the NIH, the UCLA-ISS team will begin ground operations in early 2015. They hope that the study will provide new insights into the prevention of bone loss or osteoporosis as well as the regeneration of massive bone defects that can occur in wounded military personnel. Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem commonly associated with "skeletal disuse" conditions such as immobilization, stroke, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury and jaw resorption after tooth loss.

"NELL-1 holds tremendous hope, not only for preventing bone loss but one day even restoring healthy bone," Ting said. "For patients who are bed-bound and suffering from bone loss, it could be life-changing."

The UCLA team will oversee the ground operations of the mission in tandem with a flight operation coordinated by CASIS and NASA.

"A group of 40 rodents will be sent to the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory onboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, where they will live for two months in a microgravity environment during the first ever test of NELL-1 in space," said Dr. Julie Robinson, NASA's chief scientist for the International Space Station program at the Johnson Space Center.

"CASIS is proud to work alongside UCLA in an effort to promote the station as a viable platform for bone loss inquiry," said Warren Bates, director of portfolio management for CASIS. "Through investigations like this, we hope to make profound discoveries and enable the development of therapies to counteract bone loss ailments common in humans."

Prolonged space flights induce extreme changes in bone and organ systems that cannot be replicated on Earth.

"Besides testing the limits of NELL-1's robust bone-producing effects, this mission will provide new insights about bone biology and could uncover important clues for curing diseases such as osteoporosis," Wu said.

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Growing bone in space: Study to test therapy for bone loss on the International Space Station

Growing Bone in Space: UCLA and CASIS Announce Pioneering Collaborative Study to Test Therapy for Bone Loss on the …

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Newswise UCLA has received grant funding from the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) to lead a research mission that will send rodents to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission will allow astronauts on the space station and scientists on Earth to test a potential new therapy for accelerating bone growth in humans.

The research will be led by Dr. Chia Soo, a UCLA professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery and orthopaedic surgery, who is member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research. Soo is also research director for UCLA Operation Mend, which provides medical care for wounded warriors. The study will test the ability of a bone-forming molecule called NELL-1 to direct stem cells to induce bone formation and prevent bone degeneration.

Other members of the UCLA research team are Dr. Kang Ting, a professor in dentistry who discovered NELL-1 and is leading efforts to translate NELL-1 therapy to humans, Dr. Ben Wu, a professor of bioengineering who modified the NELL-1 molecule to make useful for treating osteoporosis, and Dr. Jin Hee Kwak, an assistant professor of dentistry who will manage daily operations.

Based on results of previous studies supported by the NIH, the UCLA-ISS team will begin ground operations in early 2015. They hope that the study will provide new insights into the prevention of bone loss or osteoporosis as well as the regeneration of massive bone defects that can occur in wounded military personnel. Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem commonly associated with skeletal disuse conditions such as immobilization, stroke, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury and jaw resorption after tooth loss.

NELL-1 holds tremendous hope, not only for preventing bone loss but one day even restoring healthy bone, Ting said. For patients who are bed-bound and suffering from bone loss, it could be life-changing.

The UCLA team will oversee the ground operations of the mission in tandem with a flight operation coordinated by CASIS and NASA.

A group of 40 rodents will be sent to the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory onboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, where they will live for two months in a microgravity environment during the first ever test of NELL-1 in space, said Dr. Julie Robinson, NASAs chief scientist for the International Space Station program at the Johnson Space Center.

CASIS is proud to work alongside UCLA in an effort to promote the station as a viable platform for bone loss inquiry, said Warren Bates, director of portfolio management for CASIS. Through investigations like this, we hope to make profound discoveries and enable the development of therapies to counteract bone loss ailments common in humans.

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Growing Bone in Space: UCLA and CASIS Announce Pioneering Collaborative Study to Test Therapy for Bone Loss on the ...

Red Sox set for another worst-to-first rebound

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A year ago, manager John Farrell stood outside their Spring Training clubhouse and oozed with optimism. World Series championships in back-to-back seasons was his dream. Instead, the thud you heard was the Red Sox hitting the basement concrete once again as the AL East cellar dwellers.

But rather than walk around with his head bowed, executive vice president and general manager Ben Cherington took a deep breath, swallowed hard and became one of the most active movers and shakers in Major League Baseball this offseason.

Cherington spent $88 million to sign Hanley Ramirez, who began in Boston's Minor League system before stops with the Marlins and Dodgers.

And while fans were grieving over the failure of persuading former Red Sox favorite Jon Lester to return to Fenway Park, Cherington pulled off what I consider a shrewd marketing ploy: He gave "The Panda," former Giants All-Star third baseman Pablo Sandoval, a five-year, $95 million deal to bring his talents and charisma to Boston.

Sandoval, Ramirez introduced in Boston

It was a big day in Boston as Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez were introduced as the newest members of the Red Sox

Can you imagine how Sandoval will excite Red Sox fans? Sure, he was in the middle of San Francisco's three World Series titles the past five seasons, but I'll guarantee you the Red Sox's marketing department is already ordering stuffed pandas, bobble heads -- you name it.

And, yes, there was the trade of Yoenis Cespedes to Detroit for underrated right-handed pitcher Rick Porcello. With Justin Verlander, David Price and Max Scherzer also in the Tigers' rotation, Porcello was under the radar, but he won 15 games with an impressive 3.43 ERA.

Sandoval elevated the adrenaline and hopes of Red Sox fans when he was asked recently if Boston would win its division. "We will," he said flatly. At this stage of the winter, it's hard to disagree.

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Red Sox set for another worst-to-first rebound

Gwyneth Paltrow and co-star Olivia Munn turn heads at Mortdecai L.A premiere

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Paltrow, 42, showed off her legs in a dramatic blue gown with a sash waist as she posed outside Hollywoods TCL Chinese Theatre.

The Iron Man star who plays Johanna, the wife of Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) in the upcoming action comedy was joined by her co-star Munn who looked equally as stunning.

The 34-year-old actress worked a sensational black dress with daring sheer panelling as she posed alongside Ewan McGregor.

McGregor, 43, shunned a traditional suit in favour of a leather jacket and black bow tie combination.

Also joining his co-stars on the red carpet was Jurassic Park actor Jeff Golblum who looked smart in a black suit with monochrome brogues.

The 62-year-old star could barely stop smiling as he graced the red carpet with his expectant wife Emilie Livingston, 32.

Olympic gymnast Livingston who opted for casual chic in a white satin dress with glittering black pumps was pictured holding hands and cuddling up to her husband as the pair posed for photographs.

Mortdecai will be released in cinemas on January 23.

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Gwyneth Paltrow and co-star Olivia Munn turn heads at Mortdecai L.A premiere

Red Velvet and other limited edition Oreos through the years

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Yes, the rumors are true -- the latest limited edition Oreo flavor is Red Velvet.

Hitting store shelves Feb. 2, the release marks just the second time Oreo has changed the color of the cookie, following the debut of the Golden Oreo.

Originally released as Uh-Oh Oreos in 2004, consisting of chocolate cream inside vanilla cookies, Nabisco later released the Golden Oreo and it has remained a staple for the cookie brand today.

The Red Velvet Oreo, which features a dark velvet red color with cream cheese-flavored creme, is just the latest limited edition flavor to be introduced.

Cookies featuring flavored creme, extra filling and of course the Heads or Tails Oreo -- featuring a chocolate cookie on one side and vanilla on the other -- have added new options for cookie lovers everywhere through the years.

In 2014, Oreo releasedRoot beer Float,Caramel Apple and Back to School special editions.

Can't wait to try the latest flavor? Oreo will be randomly selecting 20,250 winners to get a special preview taste of Red Velvet. You have until 11:59 tonight to enter and can do so here.

In the meantime, view the gallery above for the special limited edition Oreo cookies since 2012, includingCreamsicle, Gingerbread andLemon Twist.

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Red Velvet and other limited edition Oreos through the years

Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Meaning of Life, NASA Social Video Excerpt – Video

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Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Meaning of Life, NASA Social Video Excerpt
Hi guys, started putting together some NASA Florida footage decided to make the test excerpt upload public: On Jan 15, 2015 I stumbled upon Neil deGrasse Tyson #39;s recorded answer to young 6...

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Les Plus Grandes Explorations De La NASA [ Documentaire Science ] – Video

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Les Plus Grandes Explorations De La NASA [ Documentaire Science ]
L #39;exploration de Mars tient une place particulirement importante dans les programmes scientifiques d #39;exploration du systme solaire des principales puissances spatiales. Prs de quarante...

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Les Plus Grandes Explorations De La NASA [ Documentaire Science ] - Video