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National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) researchers are developing innovative medical systems and technologies that 15 years ago may have been considered possible only in science fiction movies and novels. A few of NSBRI’s futuristic technologies  for health care in space and on Earth include:
Reading the Face – Optical Computer Recognition of Stress, Affect and Fatigue
The project, led by Dr. David Dinges in collaboration with Dr. Dimitris Metaxas is developing an optical computer recognition (OCR) system that objectively detects astronaut stress, negative mood states, and fatigue, all of which can compromise performance during long-duration space missions. The system relies upon extensive scientific evidence that human emotion and distress are expressed via neural control of facial muscles. OCR utilizes sophisticated mathematical and optical image processing techniques to unobtrusively and continuously track facial expressions while astronauts are working, in order to reliably detect stress, negative emotions and fatigue during performance of duties. The project underway involves further improvements to the OCR algorithm to increase automation and improve accuracy. The final OCR system will also have applications for people performing critical tasks in safety sensitive occupations on Earth. Project Summary.
Blue Light to Combat Sleep Loss and Shift Work Problems
Dr. George Brainard and a team of scientists are testing light in the blue spectrum to prevent reduced alertness and performance that can occur in astronauts due to sleep loss and disturbed biological rhythms. NSBRI-funded investigators have discovered that “blue-enriched” lamps could be potential in-flight stimulus for rapid adaptation to shifts in sleep cycles required by astronauts during spaceflight. The blue light is a potent suppressor of the production of melatonin, a hormone that causes drowsiness. This work has Earth-based applications as a means of lessening biological rhythm and sleep disruption related to shift work and intercontinental jet travel. Project Summary.
Bloodless Surgery: Tumor Removal, Internal Bleeding Treatment and Kidney Stone Reduction
 Dr. Lawrence Crum and his colleagues are continuing the development of a portable, lightweight, ultrasound-based device that would be used to detect and treat various medical conditions.
The therapeutic ultrasound device will have capabilities such as detecting and treating internal bleeding, performing bloodless removal of tumors, and effectively reducing kidney stones to a safe size.
The device will also be beneficial to military and civilian health care providers. Project Summary.
PVT Self Test – Astronaut Self-assessment of the Effects of Fatigue on performance
Dr. David Dinges is in the final stages of preparing the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) Self Test for use on the International Space Station (ISS) to track the effects of long-duration spaceflight. The new 3-minute PVT Self Test will allow astronauts to quickly assess the extent to which fatigue from high workload, sleep loss and shifted work-rest schedules is affecting their ability to be vigilant, react quickly and avoid both lapses of attention and response errors. The PVT Self Test, which will be on ISS computers, tests the reaction times of astronauts to signals that appear on the screen. The PVT has been extensively validated in experimental and field studies, and the Self Test algorithm, which provides feedback to astronauts on their performance levels, was developed from unique normative data on current astronauts. The PVT Self Test also has potential uses in a range of Earth-based applications including the measurement of performance readiness for military personnel, transportation and security personnel, and people working in high-risk environments. The test may also help to identify excessive sleepiness in patients. Project Summary
Blood Analysis on a Chip
Blood analysis is one of the best tools for monitoring astronaut health and physiological changes due to microgravity exposure. Dr. Yu-Chong Tai and colleagues are developing a  lightweight blood-analysis technology, called a lab-on-a-chip, to perform multiple blood tests in space and for inclusion in the medical kits aboard spacecraft. The technology under development is for the evaluation, count and identification of different types of blood cells. The technology will be extended to analyze serum and plasma protein biomarkers. The results will be available almost immediately to astronauts in space. On Earth, the device can be used in many different locations, such as emergency rooms and physician clinics, reducing the time associated with sending blood samples to a lab. Project Summary.
Needle-free Measurements – Blood and Tissue Chemistry and Muscle Metabolism
Dr. Babs Soller is leading a project to give a previously developed sensor the additional capability to accurately and continuously assess an astronaut’s oxygen consumption  (metabolic rate) and muscle temperature during spacewalks. Earth applications include noninvasive, real-time assessment of metabolic rate as part of a fitness or rehabilitation program. The sensors were developed during a previous NSBRI project which used near infrared spectroscopy in a new way to noninvasively measure blood and tissue chemistry. These sensors measure muscle oxygen and pH to assist first responders in the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill patients in ambulances, in the hospital and on the battlefield. Project Summary.
Portable Radiation Detectors
NSBRI researchers are developing portable radiation detectors that will provide real-time data to astronauts. The final size of the detectors will be about the size of a deck of cards or cell phone. This technology will be beneficial for the military, hospital employees, homeland security and environmental clean-up personnel, and cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. Radiation Projects.
The Virtual Space Station: Self-guided, Computer-Based Depression Treatment
Dr. James Cartreine and colleagues are developing an interactive multi-media program to help astronauts recognize and effectively manage psychological and social problems  during long-duration spaceflights to the International Space Station, the moon, and Mars. The system, called the Virtual Space Station, contains modules to help astronauts manage depression, intrapersonal conflicts, stress and anxiety. The system provides a model that could potentially help all Americans, where clinical help is in short supply or nonexistent. Other possible locations for use include schools, clinics, social service offices, places of worship, military bases, prisons, commercial ships, oil rigs and remote research stations, and any home, via broadband Internet. Project Summary.
Ultrasound Fracture Healing
Dr. Yi-Xian Qin and his colleagues are developing a combined diagnostic and treatment ultrasound technology for early prediction of bone disorders and guided acceleration of fracture healing, using scanning confocal acoustic diagnostic imaging and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound. This will be a valuable tool for astronaut health since
X-ray machines are not ideal for use in space due to the health risk radiation poses to astronauts, who are exposed to higher levels of radiation outside of Earth’s protective atmosphere and magnetic field. This technology will allow physicians on Earth to monitor osteoporosis patients for the risk of fracture with detailed images and use ultrasonic treatment that will help accelerate fracture healing. Project Summary.
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