Space-based experiments could help to advance early cancer detection through blood tests

University of Notre Dame researcher studies mass and energy transport at the molecular level.

Tengfei Luo seeks to create sensing technology that's useful on Earth but performs better in microgravity environment of space.

Luo 's technology uses bubbles to concentrate and extract the tiniest substances submerged in liquid samples.

He says this biosensing method could ultimately improve the efficiency of cancer diagnostic tools reliant on highly concentrated sample extraction from liquids.

A new experiment shows bubbles form much quicker in space than on Earth .

In space, without the presence of buoyancy and convective flow, the dynamics of bubble growth change drastically.

The bubbles did not detach from the surface but burst at the end when they grew too big.

Luo and his team will continue their research in an upcoming experiment.

The ISS National Lab has a role in translating visionary concepts into practical realities.

"To do science in the space environment, whether in physics or biology, innovative thinking is essential," says Volk .