Environment

Microgravity

Stories

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Briefs: Medical
Comprehensive diagnostic system could easily fit in one hand. In the future, NASA astronauts journeying into deep space may be able to give themselves a health check-up using a small hand-held...
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Briefs: Medical
The deleterious effects of microgravity are undeniable: reduced bone mineral density, muscle atrophy, vascular remodeling, etc. These health issues...
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Briefs: Medical
Medical Oxygen Concentrator for Microgravity Operation
Only ambient air and DC energy are required to operate the system. Supplemental oxygen delivery systems are vital to provide a critical life support respiratory function. Whether they are used for patients suffering from lung diseases or other illnesses, to astronauts donning an oxygen mask...
Briefs: Medical
This technology presents a means to cleanly contain bodily fluids in environments ranging from microgravity to Earth gravity with no release of infectious agents. NASA has long recognized the...
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Briefs: Medical
Wideband Single-Crystal Transducer for Bone Characterization
The microgravity conditions of space travel result in unique physiological demands on the human body. In particular, the absence of the continual mechanical stresses on the skeletal system that are present on Earth cause the bones to decalcify. Trabecular structure decreases in thickness...
Briefs: Medical
Developing Physiologic Models for Emergency Medical Procedures Under Microgravity
Several technological enhancements have been made to METI’s commercial Emergency Care Simulator (ECS) with regard to how microgravity affects human physiology. The ECS uses both a softwareonly lung simulation, and an integrated mannequin lung that uses a physical...
Mission Accomplished: Medical
Dizziness and balance issues are the most frequently reported symptoms following exposure to an improvised explosive device.
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Briefs: Medical
Microgravity-Enhanced Stem Cell Selection
Stem cells, both embryonic and adult, promise to revolutionize the practice of medicine in the future. In order to realize this potential, a number of hurdles must be overcome. Most importantly, the signaling mechanisms necessary to control the differentiation of stem cells into tissues of interest remain...
Mission Accomplished: Materials
While gravity has its advantages in keeping us balanced and grounded here on Earth, scientists often find that they are at a disadvantage when trying to conduct research under its powerful, pulling...
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Features: Medical
You may have heard the phrase “as difficult as walking and chewing gum” as a joking way of referring to something that is not difficult at all. Just walking, however, is not all that simple...
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Mission Accomplished: Medical
The International Space Station (ISS) is falling. This is no threat to the astronauts onboard, however, because falling is part of the ISS staying in orbit.
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Mission Accomplished: Medical
Since the earliest missions in space, NASA specialists have performed experiments in low gravity. Protein crystal growth, cell and tissue cultures, and separation technologies such as...
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Briefs: Medical
A Constant-Force Resistive Exercise Unit
A constant-force resistive exercise unit (CFREU) has been invented for use in both normal gravitational and microgravitational environments. In comparison with a typical conventional exercise machine, this CFREU weighs less and is less bulky: Whereas weight plates and associated bulky supporting structures...
Briefs: Medical
On-Demand Urine Analyzer
A lab-on-a-chip was developed that is capable of extracting biochemical indicators from urine samples and generating their surface-enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) so that the indicators can be quantified and identified. The development was motivated by the need to monitor and assess the effects of extended weightlessness,...

Ask the Expert

John Chandler on Achieving Quality Motion Control
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FAULHABER MICROMO brings together the highest quality motion technologies and value-added services, together with global engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing, to deliver top quality micro motion solutions. With 34 years’ experience, John Chandler injects a key engineering perspective into all new projects and enjoys working closely with OEM customers to bring exciting new technologies to market.

Inside Story

Inside Story: Trends in Packaging and Sterilization
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Eurofins Medical Device Testing (MDT) provides a full scope of testing services. In this interview, Eurofins’ experts, Sunny Modi, PhD, Director of Package Testing; and Elizabeth Sydnor, Director of Microbiology; answer common questions on medical device packaging and sterilization.

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