Tag

Astronaut Health

All articles tagged with #astronaut health

space-exploration5 hours ago•106 min saved

In-orbit X-rays: portable imaging debuts for astronauts and remote clinics

The Fram2 mission aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon achieved the first in-space X-rays. Four crew members, with about four hours of training, used a portable X-ray device to image a smartwatch, a hand, an abdomen, a pelvis, and a chest in orbit. The resulting images were good enough to aid injury diagnosis and hardware checks, and the device survived launch and re-entry with minimal damage. Experts say portable, rugged, compact X-ray systems could boost crew health care on future missions and even improve medical access on Earth in rural areas; researchers aim to further shrink and harden the technology. The study was published in Radiology on July 14.

via Space|

#astronaut-health #fram2 #portable-x-ray

science15 hours ago•5 min saved

Orbiting X-Rays Break Ground in Space Medicine

SpaceX’s Fram2 mission conducted the first in-orbit medical X-ray scans with a portable X-ray device, capturing diagnostic-quality images of the hand, forearm, abdomen, pelvis, and chest that were reviewed by three radiologists. The inflight results show radiography can supplement ultrasound for astronaut health, diagnose injuries, and even assess equipment or space-suit integrity, marking a path toward more capable space diagnostics. Future work will aim to miniaturize and harden X-ray systems for vacuum and deep-space use, with real-time imaging guidance for astronauts on Moon missions.

via Gizmodo|

#astronaut-health #radiology #science

space-and-spaceflight1 month ago•18 min saved

Pencil-Sized Plasma Gun Aims to Sanitize Spacewear

A University of Alabama in Huntsville team has developed a pencil-sized cold-plasma “laundry gun” that blasts fabrics with a plasma jet to kill bacteria and odors, potentially keeping astronauts’ clothes cleaner in space. While proof-of-concept and small-scale, the technology could one day sterilize spacesuits and tools for long missions; researchers plan to increase the device size and add filters to reduce ozone byproducts as they work toward practical use in space.

via Gizmodo|

#astronaut-health #microbiology #plasma-physics

space-and-spaceflight3 months ago•17 min saved

Unexplained Illness Triggers NASA’s First ISS Medical Evacuation

NASA's Crew-11 faced an abrupt on-orbit medical emergency when Mike Fincke suddenly lost the ability to speak during dinner, prompting NASA's first ISS medical evacuation in 25 years; he was returned to Earth after on-board care using ultrasound, and doctors say the cause remains unclear but likely space-related, with researchers planning further investigation.

via gizmodo.com|

#astronaut-health #international-space-station #medical-evacuation

science3 months ago•4 min saved

Silent in Space: Fincke’s Mysterious Illness Shuts Down Spacewalk

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke suddenly couldn’t speak during a Jan. 7 meal on the International Space Station; doctors ruled out a heart attack and are continuing to investigate a roughly 20-minute episode that prompted a medical evacuation, the early return of the crew, and the cancellation of a planned spacewalk, with Fincke undergoing tests as NASA reviews for similar incidents.

via ScienceAlert|

#astronaut-health #in-space-illness #medical-evacuation

science6 months ago•0 min saved

NASA Ends Space Mission Early Due to Astronaut Health Concerns

NASA has decided to end the Crew-11 mission early due to a medical emergency involving an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, marking the first time such a decision has been made in the station's history.

via The Washington Post|

#astronaut-health #crew-11 #international-space-station

science7 months ago•7 min saved

NASA tests menstrual cups to manage periods in space for future Moon and Mars missions

New research explores the use of menstrual cups for astronauts, offering a sustainable and lightweight alternative to traditional menstrual management methods during long space missions, with successful tests conducted in space-like conditions and plans for further space testing.

via CBC|

#astronaut-health #long-term-space-travel #menstrual-cups

science9 months ago•5 min saved

NASA to Send Human Cells on Microchips to the Moon for Space Research

NASA is deploying tiny lab devices called organ chips with human cells aboard Artemis II to study how space affects human biology, focusing initially on bone marrow, to improve health protections for astronauts on lunar and Mars missions. These chips will help personalize medical care, predict responses to space radiation, and enhance safety during long-duration space travel.

via Earth.com|

#astronaut-health #deep-space-radiation #nasa

science10 months ago•2 min saved

Spaceflight Accelerates Human Stem Cell Aging and Activates 'Dark Genome'

Research shows that microgravity in space activates the 'dark genome' in human DNA, causing stem cells to age faster and potentially impairing astronauts' health, but new treatments may counteract these effects and benefit Earth-based medicine.

via Futurism|

#astronaut-health #dna #microgravity

science-and-technology10 months ago•1 min saved

Preparing Humans for Mars: Medical Challenges and Space Medicine Solutions

The article discusses the challenges of human space travel, particularly to Mars, highlighting how space medicine can improve astronaut health and potentially benefit health on Earth by addressing issues like osteoporosis, muscle loss, and metabolic changes caused by microgravity. It also notes that current astronaut selection is limited by health criteria, but advances in space medicine could broaden eligibility and support long-term space missions.

via vox.com|

#astronaut-health #human-spaceflight #mars-travel

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Spaceflight's Mixed Impact on Astronauts' Cognitive Health

A recent NASA study on 25 astronauts who spent six months on the International Space Station found that while space travel can temporarily affect cognitive functions like processing speed and decision-making, there is no evidence of lasting cognitive impairment or neurodegenerative decline. The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, provides valuable insights for future deep-space missions, although its small sample size limits definitive conclusions.

via Space.com|

#astronaut-health #cognitive-function #international-space-station

space1 year ago•4 min saved

NASA Astronauts Debunk Health Rumors from Space

NASA has refuted tabloid rumors about the health of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard the International Space Station, confirming they are in good health. Speculation arose from photos suggesting Williams appeared gaunt, but she clarified her weight remains unchanged, attributing any physical changes to exercise in microgravity. NASA's chief health officer emphasized that astronaut health is closely monitored, and there are sufficient supplies on the ISS until their scheduled return in February 2025.

via Space.com|

#astronaut-health #butch-wilmore #international-space-station

science1 year ago•3 min saved

NASA Crew-8 Astronauts Silent on Health After Long Space Mission

Three NASA astronauts, who recently returned from an extended mission on the International Space Station, declined to reveal which one of them was hospitalized for a medical issue after their SpaceX capsule landed. The astronauts, including Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps, emphasized the unpredictable nature of spaceflight and its effects on the human body. NASA cited medical privacy for not disclosing details about the health issue.

via Phys.org|

#astronaut-health #international-space-station #nasa

science1 year ago•2 min saved

NASA Astronauts Return to Earth, Remain Silent on Health Concerns

Three NASA astronauts, who returned to Earth after 235 days in space, were taken to a Florida hospital as a precaution but are reportedly in good health. The astronauts, including Michael Barrett, cited medical privacy laws for not disclosing details about the hospital visit, stating that space flight still presents unexpected challenges. Their return was delayed due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule and weather conditions. The astronauts shared experiences of readjusting to Earth's gravity, highlighting the physical discomforts of returning to normal life.

via The Guardian|

#astronaut-health #international-space-station #nasa

science1 year ago•1 min saved

Unveiling Spaceflight's Cellular Impact on Astronaut Health

A recent scientific report highlights that long-duration space travel causes mitochondrial damage in astronauts, akin to accelerated aging. This damage is attributed to increased radiation and zero gravity, which affect cellular health. The lack of Earth's magnetic field in space further complicates the issue, posing challenges for future space settlements. As private space missions increase, more data on long-term health effects will be crucial to address these challenges.

via Jalopnik|

#astronaut-health #long-duration-spaceflight #mitochondrial-damage