Detection of Directions of Gravity by Organisms and Contributions to SmaggIce

Research covers the following: In the Microgravity Environment and Telescience Branch, a study wasI extended thar focused upon a flagellated alga or other swimming microbe and the effect of gravity upon its swimming direction. It has long been known that many organisms tend to swim up or down on Earth. How organisms detect the direction of gravity is a question not fully resolved. The response of such organisms to reduced gravity or the absence of gravity is also of interest, particularly because the expected modified behavior may affect the health of astronauts.