Neurolab was developed by scientists at 26 universities in seven countries and at the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, National Institutes of Health, the space agencies of Canada, Japan, France and Germany, and the European Space Agency. Seven astronauts and a cadre of rats, mice, fish, snails and crickets will be launched into orbit aboard the space shuttle Columbia. The astronauts will perform 26 experiments in 17 days. Fifty to 100 years from now, when people are flying to other planets, they will be doing that based on some of the information obtained from Neurolab. All of this basic research paves the way for humans to work and live in space.
Scientists also expect payoffs on Earth.
Frey says the research will provide insight into the treatment of neurological disorders. The Autonomic Nervous System Team will focus on blood pressure and gravity. Most people have felt dizziness after standing too quickly. When chronic, the condition is called orthostatic hypotension. It occurs most often in the elderly and affects 500,000 Americans, says David Robertson, Vanderbilt University.