| NASA's
space shuttle Atlantis lifted off Friday, September 8, and carried
crystal samples from a Germantown High school science class. The
liftoff, a culmination of nearly a year of intensive work and research
by ten students at the school, will be part of the first long-duration
science experiment conducted on the International Space Station. These
students are part of "Reach for the Stars," a science and
technology program adopted by Germantown High School and sponsored by
the BellSouth Pioneer Volunteers and NASA.
The students' samples consist of
protein crystal experiments, one of the best ways scientists have to
study the molecular structure of proteins. By studying the structure,
scientists can design medications that can interact with the protein.
The program is part of a science investigation by Dr. Alexander
McPherson, a molecular biologist at the University of California,
Irvine, under contract with the Microgravity Biotechnology Office at
Marshall Space Flight Center.
"Studying the structure of
proteins is like looking for the right key to unlock a door,"
says Greg Jenkins,
a project director at the University of California. "Scientists
are particularly interested in proteins associated with diseases. The
shape of the protein is much like the shape inside a lock. Scientists
want to know this shape exactly, in order to design a chemical drug
that fits this structure like a key fits a lock. Experiments conducted
in space hope to take advantage of microgravity and produce better
crystals. Better crystals would lead to better data and more accurate
keys. We are looking for information that may help improve medicines
and medical technology."
"These students have been a
wonderful part of this study," said Dr. McPherson. "We know
they are learning from us, but we also value the scientific
discoveries they are seeking, and the creative new ideas they bring
to the process."
The Germantown High School experiments
will ride in space in a special container called the Enhanced Gaseous
Nitrogen Dewar, developed by McPherson as part of a larger protein
crystallization experiment.
The apparatus will be kept on board the International Space Station
where the crystals will grow in microgravity and return to Earth in
October.
Germantown High School Officials say
they are thrilled by the program's ability to capture a student's
imagination, and ignite their love of science. "This project is
simply extraordinary and we love giving our kids this opportunity.
This kind of project is exactly the type of high-quality education
experience we want to offer every child," said Penny Eilert,
Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services with Shelby County
Schools.
"We at BellSouth are always
looking for projects that will have a deep, positive impact on our
community,
but this one has exceeded all our expectations," said Bill Ray,
head of Corporate and External Affairs for BellSouth in Memphis.
"We are so proud of these kids, and proud of our involvement in
the program. ‘Reach
for the Stars’ gives students a chance to get hands-on science
education. We have no doubt that some of these students will be
tomorrow’s top science minds."
In addition to receiving local
accolades, "Reach for the Stars" has received statewide
notice. Senator Bill Frist, a strong supporter of the "Reach for
the Stars" program, says he is elated that the experiments of so
many Tennessee teens are going so far. "Our students are making
history with their involvement in this program.
For these students to be working with NASA is an unparalleled event
– a new generation of scientists is being launched."
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