This image shows the stem cells that grew along the JBNm we made on the ISS. After four hours, we saw a significant increase in the number of these cells compared to the ground scaffold. This shows that the structural improvements we obtain through in-space manufacturing translate directly to biological improvements. The Flight JBNm is much better at stem cell recruitment, which could better stimulate cartilage regeneration.

jsc2025e036190 (4/4/2025) --- Stem cells grown along the Janus Base Nanomaterial (JBNm) made aboard the International Space Station. After four hours, a significant increase in the number of these cells adhered to the scaffold, compared to the ground scaffold. This shows that structural improvements were obtained through in-space manufacturing and translated directly into biological improvements. The Flight JBNm is much better at stem cell recruitment, which could better stimulate cartilage regeneration. Biomimetic Fabrication of Multi-Functional DNA-Inspired Nanomaterials via Controlled Self-assembly in Space (DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2) continues prior research on in-space manufacturing of nanomaterials that mimic DNA and have applications for vaccines and regenerative medicine. Image courtesy of University of Connecticut.

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