While NSBRI projects are geared toward understanding how the body reacts in space and providing countermeasures for long-duration missions in reduced gravity, the Institute’s research is beneficial for improving health and medical care on Earth.

Earth applications from NSBRI research include new technologies that will allow easier access to health care in rural areas, treatment for diseases such as osteoporosis, improved detection of risk and protection from radiation, and a computer-based, self-help system for managing conflict.

Specific highlights include:

Risk Reduction – Lunar and Mars Dust

Lunar and Martian dust can be toxic. This project will measure inert aerosols deposited in altered levels of gravity and use sophisticated models to assess exposure levels. The outcome of these studies will aid in setting exposure limits for astronauts. This work will also provide information for assessing Earth-based exposures to particulate matter pollution from natural disasters and hazardous materials and will benefit groups at high occupational risk, such as those in the mining industry.

Improved Radiation Detection

A rugged, portable, lightweight radiation detection instrument (MIDN) is under development to enable real-time measurement of radiation risk to astronauts. The device measures the three forms of space radiation – solar flares, trapped particle radiation and galactic cosmic rays, and will use the measurements to estimate risk of damage to body tissue. MIDN will also warn of impending radiation events, to permit seeking safe shelter during these periods. The instrument has important applications on Earth for homeland security and for jobs with high potential of radiation exposure.

Self-Guided Conflict Management

Unmanaged interpersonal conflicts can threaten the success of long-duration space missions. A conflict management training program has been developed for flight crews as well as for flight and ground control interactions. This conflict management program is applicable to a wide variety of Earth settings where optimal human performance under demanding, high-stress conditions must be achieved.

Expanding Medical Care

This project is determining the utility of miniaturized ultrasound in space for health situations with high potential mission impact. Optimized training regimens and computer-based refresher modules allow non-medical personnel to easily perform ultrasound imaging in space. These same techniques are readily transferable to Earth-based medicine, including rural and military applications. Initial diagnostic approaches have been successfully used in athlete health care including professional hockey, baseball, and the United States Olympic Team.

Needle-Free Blood and Tissue Measurement

A portable, noninvasive device to assess blood and tissue health is under development, in which measurement of tissue pH, oxygen levels, and red blood cell volume, are made directly on the skin without the use of needles. The monitor can assist first responders in the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill patients. The same monitor can be used to assess physical fitness, in particular muscle weakness and the benefits of exercise countermeasures in space. On Earth, this lightweight instrument can help optimize physical rehabilitation, and can be useful in ambulances and intensive care units and on the battlefield.

To learn more about NSBRI’s space research and the Earth applications, please follow the links below to visit the Highlights pages of the Institute’s seven teams.

• Cardiovascular Alterations
• Human Factors and Performance
• Musculoskeletal Alterations
• Neurobehavioral and Psychosocial Factors
• Radiation Effects
• Sensorimotor Adaptation
• Smart Medical Systems and Technology