Jacksonville Doctor Launches Stem Cell Research on NASA SpaceX Mission

Dr. Abba Zubair of the Mayo Clinic is leading groundbreaking research aboard the International Space Station to study how bone-forming stem cells behave in microgravity, aiming to find new treatments for bone density loss such as osteoporosis. The research, launched on NASA’s 33rd SpaceX commercial resupply mission, investigates whether the absence of gravity can enhance stem cell growth and tests a new compound to slow bone loss among astronauts, who typically lose about 1% of their bone mass per month despite exercise. Zubair’s work, which merges his childhood dream of space exploration with his medical expertise, seeks to uncover biological insights that could benefit both astronauts and patients on Earth suffering from bone degradation. By replicating the conditions that accelerate bone loss in space, the study could lead to innovative therapies for various degenerative bone diseases, advancing medical treatments and health equity. Although Zubair will not personally travel to space, he remains hopeful for future opportunities to conduct research in orbit. This mission highlights the valuable intersection of space research and health sciences, demonstrating how space exploration can drive medical breakthroughs applicable on Earth.