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Scientists are particularly interested in Saturn's moon Titan because it's one of the few known moons with its own dense atmosphere. Titan's atmosphere is also thought to be very similar to what Earth's atmosphere was a long time ago. By learning about Titan, we'll learn about our own planet.
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This site is no longer maintained. It contains historical data.

For current information about the NASA Astrobiology Program, please visit http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/


2006-06-28 | MISSIONS
NASA Sends Flies into Space to Test Changes in Immune System

Despite differences in size and complexity, the Drosophila melanogaster, or common fruit fly, may help scientists from NASA Ames Research Center unlock the secrets of why astronauts often develop changes in their immune system during space flight. Thousands of the tiny flies are schedule to fly onboard the STS-121 space shuttle mission schedule for launch on July 1 as part of the NASA Fungal Pathogenesis, Tumorigenesis and Effects of Host Immunity in Space (FIT) experiment.

Research concerning the effects of microgravity on humans can help scientists develop ways to ensure the safety of astronauts in orbit and beyond. Human missions in space allow us to conduct research important to astrobiology, and can help scientists understand the potential future for Earth-life beyond our planet.


More on this story Full text of original item from NASA - ARC, Jun 28, 2006

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The preceding news links are provided as a public service for interested users. The views and claims expressed in external internet sites are not necessarily those of NASA.

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