Mice in Space: Taconic Mice Included on Launch to International Space Station
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
HUDSON, N.Y., June 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When the SpaceX Dragon
spacecraft launches today bound for the International Space Station, they will
be joined by 40 special mice, bred specifically for this mission by Taconic
Biosciences, a global leader in genetically engineered mouse models and
associated services.
The project is a collaboration between the University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA), the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), BioServe,
and NASA. For this mission, named "Rodent Research-5", the Taconic mice support
research lead by Dr. Chia Soo, professor of surgery at UCLA Schools of
Dentistry, Engineering and Medicine. The study leverages the molecule NELL-1, a
protein produced by the human body that is critical for normal bone growth and
development.
On June 1, 40 mice treated with NELL-1 will be launched to the International
Space Station to test whether the presence of the molecule impedes the typical
bone loss associated with microgravity. Reduced gravity in space accelerates the
natural process of bone loss. The live mice will return to earth to undergo
further evaluation by Dr. Soo's team after their time in microgravity. The team
hopes to use findings to develop therapies that prevent bone loss, and further
grow and strengthen bone in humans.
"Taconic Biosciences' history with the space program dates back to 1985, when
the first Taconic mice went into space. More recently, we have supported rodent
research missions with CASIS where rodents spent extended periods of time on the
International Space Station. This helped scientists develop the initial
understanding of the effects of microgravity on bone loss and muscle wasting,"
shared Dr. Gretchen Kusek, scientific program manager with Taconic.
"As managers of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, we are
constantly working with researchers to break down barriers and unlock
discoveries not possible through earth-based experimentation," said CASIS
director of operations Ken Shields. "Rodent research on the space station has
the capacity to assist in novel understanding of bone density loss and muscle
wasting, which could lead to enhanced drug development for us here on our
planet. Taconic Biosciences has proven to be an invaluable collaborator in this
important research and we look forward to working together on many future ISS
National Laboratory missions."
Taconic is a fully-licensed provider of rodent model generation services and has
twenty years of model design experience. Taconic's unique capability of
providing a seamless transition from model design to breeding and colony
management, offers customers a complete solution. These scientific services
include acquiring or generating, importing, licensing, breeding, testing,
preparing, and distributing genetically engineered models to any location
worldwide as well as into space.
To learn more about Taconic's custom model generation, please call 1-888-TACONIC
(888-822-6642) in the US, or +45 70 23 04 05 in Europe, or
email info(at)taconic.com.
About Taconic Biosciences, Inc.
Taconic Biosciences is a fully-licensed, global leader in genetically engineered
rodent models and services. Founded in 1952, Taconic helps biotechnology
companies and institutions acquire, custom generate, breed, precondition, test,
and distribute valuable research models worldwide. Specialists in genetically
engineered mouse and rat models, precision research mouse models, and integrated
model design and breeding services, Taconic operates three service laboratories
and six breeding facilities in the U.S. and Europe, maintains distributor
relationships in Asia and has global shipping capabilities to provide animal
models almost anywhere in the world.
Media Contact:
Kelly Owen Grover
Director of Marketing Communications
(518) 697-3824
kelly.grover(at)taconic.com
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Taconic Biosciences via GlobeNewswire
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 01.06.2017 - 20:54 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 545959
Anzahl Zeichen: 4711
contact information:
Town:
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Kategorie:
Business News
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