Hypergravity-Induced Stress Responses in Human Cells: Changes In Intracellular Viscosity and Reactiv

This project aims to address the gaps in knowledge surrounding increased intracellular viscosity and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production in human cells as a response to hypergravity conditions. Human cells will be exposed to 1,000,000 times gravity, an extreme external stressor. Then, intracellular viscosity and ROS levels will be measured with fluorescent imaging that will be visually and quantitatively analyzed. Prior research has shown that hypergravity induces increased viscosity and ROS production in tardigrades, which may suggest a novel protective response. Comparing results will determine if this response is similarly observed in human cells.