NASA’s Matt Coleman part of a six scientist team with researchers from NASA’s Ames Research Center, the University of California Davis, and Sandia National Laboratories, has developed and built a conceptual mock-up of a small portable medical diagnosis instrument. One day, this device may enable astronauts journeying into deep space to give themselves a health check-up.
According to Coleman, “Developing tools like this device will improve the ability to detect disease from long-term exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation. Exposures from space exploration can potentially cause degenerative disease of the bone, heart, and eye, along with raising concerns about cancer.”
The new medical device will use biomarkers in three different sample types to detect information that indicates exposure to radiation. The device is able to measure virtually any biomarker, including future biomarkers as they emerge.
Using small blood samples information on macromolecular biomarkers as well as blood cell counts will be available. Breath and saliva will rapidly provide health assessment information following space walks, but prior to removal of spacesuits.
Team members have filed for a patent for their medical device that entails the development of a comprehensive in-flight medical diagnostic system in a handheld format. The device weighing less than one pound will be used for human deep-space missions.
For more information email Stephen Wampler wampler1@llnl.gov or call 925-423-3107.