Amyloid aggregation

So much science in a little container: the Amyloid Aggregation experiment on board the International Space Station studies the aggregation of amyloid proteins connected to Alzheimer's disease.

As we get older, the way protein accumulates in our brain is thought to cling together in larger threads, depriving us of memories and a sharp brain. The possibility that astronauts have a higher propensity to develop neurodegenerative diseases is the focus of the Amyloid Aggregation experiment.

Amyloids are protein aggregations associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Luca carefully manipulated a set of tiny tubes with different incubation times. Upon completion of the experiment, the whole kit will remain frozen at minus 80°C until it is shipped back to Earth on the SpaceX Dragon vehicle on 27 August.