The Effects of Space on Human Cells and Aging: New Findings

Scientists have discovered that a protein modifier called "small ubiquitin-like modifier" or "SUMO" can help cells adapt to microgravity in artificially simulated circumstances. The discovery could help protect astronauts from the adverse health risks associated with long-term space missions. The team will now attempt to discover if the lack of this SUMO modification in selected proteins can actually be harmful to cells exposed to microgravity.