fibroblast
/ˈfaɪ.broʊˌblæst/
Definition
A type of cell found in connective tissue that produces collagen and other structural proteins essential for maintaining skin and tissue integrity.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Latin 'fibra' (fiber) and the Greek 'blastos' (germ or sprout). It entered scientific English in the 19th century to describe cells responsible for forming the structural fibers of the body.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how simulated microgravity conditions suppress certain biological processes in skin cells, which negatively impacts overall skin structure. This research is vital for understanding how the space environment contributes to accelerated aging in astronauts.
NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,206 2 July 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)
Read the full article ↗Astrobiology Web