The understanding of such processing may lead to lighter, stronger metals, as well as more uniform semiconductors and superconductors. Biotechnology is a research field that seeks to adapt biological understanding and engineering tools to benefit humankind. Because larger protein crystals can be grown in space than on Earth, scientists are better able to understand their structure and function. This knowledge may lead to the development of new and improved medicines and synthetic products. One experiment will be the production of enzymes in space.
Enzymes are proteins that accelerate or promote specific chemical actions in living cells.
Two experiments will investigate the effects of microgravity on animal development. Another experiment will study microgravity's influence on calcium metabolism and bone formation in chick embryos. These experiments will reveal more about how organisms function in microgravity. One experiment, Comparative Measurement of Visual Stability in Earth and Cosmic Space, will examine head and eye movements while a crewmember visually tracks a flickering light target. Crewmem-bers will also participate in experiments on physical adaptation to space.