1. DOES MICROGRAVITY AFFECT THE WATER ABSORPTION OF HYALURONIC ACID? Co-Principal Investigators : Haydee Contreras, Sandy Ceja, Anthony Montiel and Daniel Polanco Teacher Facilitator: Lizette Cabrera, SAUSD

2. Why we chose this We chose to do this project because we found out that the astronauts get really dry skin. We wanted to benefit the astronauts so we decided to find something to help the astronauts. Then we found out about Hyaluronic Acid and its benefits. It heals wounds, hydrates the skin and relieves joint pains.

3. Benefits to Astronauts & Life in Space ●moisturizes skin ●heals wounds, burns, and skin ulcers ●relieves itchiness ●found in fluids of eyes and joints ●used as a lip filler in plastic surgery

4. Experiment Design ● Volume 1-1.4 millimeters of water ● Volume 2-0.5 of Hyaluronic Acid powder ● 4 dry cotton balls ● Upon arrival of ISS we will unclamp Clamp ● Then shake vigorously for 30 sec. ● During first week unclamp Clamp B ● After shake gently for 5 sec. ● During first week Reclamp Clamp B

5. HOW COULD THIS RESEARCH FURTHER OUR UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE ON EARTH AND SPACE? ●We could have better moisturizers ●Better eye drops ●Better lives for the astronauts ●Hydrated Skin

6. References ● “SkinCare 7.29.14.” Retrieved April 3rd, 2015 from NASA’s website: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/11.html ● “Hyaluronic acid ester microspheres as a nasal delivery system for insulin.” Retrieved from the Journal of Controlled Release (1994): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0168365994901295 ● “Hyaluronic acid: a unique topical vehicle for the localized delivery of drugs to the skin” from the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology,” 2005: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468- 3083.2004.01180.x/abstract;jsessionid=CCBBC03A3DC39E3A8B19BF6090F9333C.f01t03?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuth enticated=false ● “Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan): a review” from Veterinarni Medicina, 2008: http://www.vri.cz/docs/vetmed/53-8-397.pdf ● From Thais Russomano’s blog, retrieved April 18th, 2015: http://www.thaisrussomano.com/blog/what-happens-to-waterin-microgravity

7. References -continued ● “Hyaluronic Acid” Retrieved April 3rd, 2015 from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1062- hyaluronic%20acid.aspx?activeingredientid=1062&activeingredientname=hyaluronic%20 acid ● http://www.medicinenet.com/dry_skin/article.htm

8. Acknowledgements Funding provided by SSEP National Partners CASIS Subaru Funding provided by Local Partners Science@OC Executive Director Sue Neuen Program Manager Laurie Smith

9. Acknowledgements Funding provided by Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education PresidentJohn Palacio Vice President Cecilia Iglesias ClerkValerie Amezcua MemberJose Alfredo Hernandez MemberRob Richardson Superintendent Rick Miller, Ph. D A special thank you to Dr. Michelle Rodriguez Assistant Superintendent K-12 Teaching & Learning

10. Acknowledgements Funding provided by Mendez Fundamental Intermediate School School Site Council Local Funding Partners Santa Ana College STEM Teaching Scholars Program Target, Santa Ana, CA La Chiquita Restaurant, Santa Ana, CA Mendez Parent Supporters

11. Acknowledgements Mendez Student Spaceflight Experiments Program Lizette Cabrera, Program Director Cassandra Cabrera, Program Co-Director Dennis Cole, Mendez Fundamental Principal, SAUSD, School Site Administrator SSEP Community Program Team: Instructors: Lizette Cabrera, Life Science, Engineering, Technology & Robotics Specialist Cassandra Cabrera, Earth/Physical Science, Engineering & Technology Specialist Harold Garrett, Earth Science, Engineering, Robotics & Rocketry Specialist Cheryl Peat, Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) Specialist Deborah Park, Language Arts, ELD & Media/ Technology Specialist April Salas, History/Social Studies & Technology Specialist Thomas Morales, Science, Language Arts & Technology Specialist Santa Ana College STEM Teaching Scholars Tutors/ College Mentors@Mendez OC STEM Professionals from OC STEM Mendez “Parent Supporters”