Natural insulin molecules hold together and gradually release into the human body. With some of the new and unexpected findings, researchers may be able to improve how insulin is released from its inactive-stored state to its active state. Insulin is one of the most important hormones in the human body because it regulates the body's blood sugar levels. In people with diabetes, insulin is not produced in sufficient quantity, nor regulated properly. This metabolism disorder impairs the body's ability to use digested food for growth and energy.
Current treatment is to inject the insulin hormone.
However, the peaks and valleys in insulin levels can lead to serious health problems, including blindness, lack of circulation, limb amputations and kidney failure. Like many chemicals in the body, the three-dimensional structure of insulin is extremely complex. The intricate, blueprint-like arrangement of atoms within the insulin molecule determines how well the hormone interacts within the body. Ala. Each center represents a NASA partnership with industry and academia, pursuing product-oriented research in areas such as biotechnology, agriculture and materials. Unique research opportunities of the space environment are made available to encourage private industries to exploit the benefits of space-based research to develop new products or services.