Research Summary

Since astronauts on long-duration missions will not be able to return quickly to Earth, new methods of remote medical diagnosis and treatment are necessary. It is possible that medical procedures may have to be performed by a non-physician astronaut. For the Smart Medical Systems and Technology Team, the ultimate goal will be to develop smart, integrated medical systems to assist in delivering quality health care. These systems must be small, low-power, noninvasive and versatile. Possible technologies needed include space surgery and supporting techniques, ultrasound diagnostics and therapeutics, routine risk and health-monitoring systems, and automated systems and devices to aid in decision-making, training and diagnosis. New technologies developed by this Team will have immediate benefits to medical care on Earth.

Team Leader:
Babs R. Soller, Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts Medical School

Associate Team Leader:
Yi-Xian Qin, Ph.D.
Stony Brook University - State University of New York