NASA Specialized Center of Research (NSCOR)

The CCSB is one of five NASA Specialized Centers of Research (NSCOR) that were established to focus research efforts and attract the best researchers and institutions. The results from all projects will provide scientific basis for improved risk assessment.

Each NSCOR pursues research in a specific area:

• Robert L. Ullrich, Colorado State University: Radiation Leukemogenesis
• Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff, Lawrence berkeley National Laboratory: Mechanisms in HZE damage and repair in human epithelial cells
• Gregory Nelson, Loma Linda University: Progressve alterations in CNS structure and function
• John Minna, University of Texas Southwest: Lung cancer pathogenesis and HZE particle exposure
• Lynn Hlatky, Tufts University: Solid tumor risk estimation: incorporating intercellular interaction effects

Solid tumor risk estimation: incorporating intercellular interaction effects

The NSCOR will provide a composite radiation carcinogenesis model designed to reduce the uncertainties in risk estimates for astronauts by addressing cell interaction effects and including in the multi-step carcinogenesis analysis of the overlooked step of progession.