NASA research could help astronauts grow medicines in space

An astronaut caring for plants inside the Veggie growth chamber, part of NASA's long-running research into producing fresh food during extended space missions.Growing fresh vegetables aboard the International Space Station has become a familiar part of NASA's efforts to support astronauts on long-duration missions. Now, researchers believe those same plants could take on a much bigger role by producing medicines whenever crews need them. A new study has shown that a tobacco relative, paired with a harmless plant virus, could one day serve as a living pharmaceutical factory in space. The approach could help astronauts manufacture therapeutic proteins during future missions to the Moon and Mars, reducing reliance on medicine supplies launched from Earth. While the technology is still at an e