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NASA has been investigating the intricate properties of crystals to enhance the crystallization process for an extended period. Among several intriguing studies conducted in the first quarter of the year, the spotlight has recently shone on protein crystallization in microgravity. This research, spearheaded by Alexandra Ros from Arizona State University, involved a protein crystallization experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). The objective of this experiment is to evaluate the behavior and quality of protein crystal growth in a microgravity environment using newly engineered microfluidic devices, with an aim to determine if these space-grown crystals exhibit superior quality compared to their Earth-grown counterparts.
What is Crystallisation, & How Does It Impact Our Lives?
Crystallization refers to the process in which liquid or molten substances freeze into structured solids known as crystals. These crystals can incorporate various materials, creating a ubiquitous presence of crystals in our everyday lives. It is an oversight to suggest we are not surrounded by crystals.
Crystals are found in a myriad of items; from a simple coffee mug to sophisticated electronic devices like cellphones and memory chips that rely on silicon crystallization for their functionality. Additionally, specific types of semiconductor crystals act as detectors for various forms of radiation, including gamma and infrared rays. Moreover, the optical crystals utilized in manufacturing lasers — essential tools in product scanning — and the metal crystals found in turbine blades for jet engines exemplify the critical role of crystallization in various industries.
Why and How NASA Studies Crystals?
NASA’s studies have included the investigation of zinc selenide crystals’ growth in space, contrasting with those formed on Earth. The findings from these studies have been pivotal, paving the way for enhancements in infrared wavelength operations within high-powered lasers. Additionally, they have underscored the profound impact that gravity has on the electrical, optical, and structural traits of the crystals formed.
For several years, researchers have honed their techniques in crystal utilization to identify the best conditions for growth in space. Crystals cultivated on Earth often possess imperfections such as tiny cracks, which can significantly impair their properties. This is a primary motivation behind the interest in studying crystal formation in space, where the microgravity environment provides a smoother growth process absent of the convection that occurs under gravitational forces. This convection can hinder the quality of crystals produced on Earth.
In the microgravity settings of the ISS, the absence of such convection allows for the potential growth of higher-quality crystals. The ISS has effectively transformed into a specialized laboratory focused on crystal formation, leading to advancements that can be applied in technological and medical fields.
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