Overview
- Researchers report early orbital experiments using the International Space Station to test disease models that are difficult to reproduce on Earth.
- Professor Alysson Muotri says space‑induced neural senescence could yield age‑relevant human models for motor neurone disease that current organoids lack.
- Muotri told reporters he believes it is very likely a cure could be discovered through work in orbital laboratories, reflecting optimism rather than a proven outcome.
- Major drugmakers including Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly have conducted research aboard the ISS, while Varda Space Industries is building unmanned missions to manufacture and return materials, such as its W‑4 craft.
- Muotri will outline the latest findings at the Stephen Hawking Memorial Lecture during the Motor Neurone Disease Association symposium in December.