There are over 100,000 different proteins in the human body. Each of these proteins plays an important role, such as catalyzing reactions and fighting disease. Researchers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), are looking at the make-up of proteins that are linked to diseases, to lead to the formation of effective drugs to help battle AIDS, diabetes and cancer.

"We are studying the structure of the proteins and how the protein's structure affects its function," says Dr. Russell Judge, a researcher at NASA. "This research will eventually lead to the creation of a drug that interrupts harmful protein activities."

In order to determine the protein structure, scientists have to grow large uniform protein crystals, measure and count the crystals.