Worms cultured in Derby to be sent into space as part of pioneering experiment
University of Nottingham researchers based at Royal Derby Hospital are set to send worms into space in a bid to further understand the effects of muscle loss during space flight – which could also benefit patients. The Molecular Muscle Experiment is being led by the University of Nottingham’s Professor of Space Biology, Nathaniel Szewczyk, and involves sending tiny worms of about 1mm in length, which are cultured on-site at Royal Derby, to the International Space Station where their condition will be monitored by a team of experts who analyse how being in space effects their muscles.