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Gravitational biology

In the the field of gravitational biology, the Space Biology Research Group of the competence center of Bioscience and Medical Engineering investigates how gravity, one of the fundamental forces of nature, influences living organisms. Since life on Earth has evolved under the constant influence of gravity, biological systems have developed
structural and functional adaptations which are dependent on this force. This research
is aimed to understand how gravity forces regulate physiological processes such as cell function, cell growth, cell development and the overall health of the organism.

With the bold goals set for the upcoming years in space exploration, this research field has gained renewed importance. Microgravity or zero gravity, as experienced aboard orbiting spacecraft, provides a unique opportunity to investigate how gravitational forces alter biological functions.

The Space Biology group of the competence center Bioscience and Medical Engineering employs various scientific platforms, such as drop towers, the novel gravi towers, large centrifuges, parabolic flights and suborbital rockets. These insights do not only help to improve the health and performance of astronauts during long-duration missions to the Moon and beyond to Mars. It also advances our understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms on Earth.

Our interdisciplinary work unites biology, physics and engineering to open new frontiers in both biomedical research and our understanding of life’s adaptability to different gravitational environments.

OoDrop-Experiment on the GraviTower Bremen Pro