Research conducted by students at the University of Idaho will be sent to NASA’s International Space Station for further examination. The study, led by College of Engineering graduate student Adrienne Shea and Professor Matthew Bernards, aims to develop coatings that resist bacterial adhesion, which could be beneficial for astronaut health in space.

The upcoming launch is scheduled for August 24 at 2:45 pm and will be live-streamed. Testing in zero-gravity conditions will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these polymers.

Professor Bernards noted the potential significance of this research for both long-term space missions and terrestrial applications, particularly in improving water distribution systems. The materials being developed could help create cleaner environments by resisting bacteria and protein accumulation.

Additionally, the findings may have implications in the medical field, including applications in organ transplants and joint replacements.