Bioscience and Medical Technology: From the Earth to Space and Back
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 2
Abstract
Throughout the 70-year history of NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), technology development efforts that promoted advancement in aeronautics technologies, aerospace sciences, materials for hostile environments, and microgravity physics have also enabled the maturation of technologies that have affected medical practice on Earth, in the air, and in space. GRC’s unique skill mix, required for aeronautics research and space exploration, ultimately also advanced the development of a wide array of capabilities applicable to biomedical engineering. This paper presents a historical review of notable biomedical endeavors at GRC that have addressed common and uncommon medical conditions afflicting both astronauts and non-astronauts. It also highlights the unique physiological stressors associated with residing in space. The physiological changes associated with these stimuli present evolving challenges for researchers to devise new and innovative medical interventions and technologies.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank Marsha Nall, Gail Perusek, and DeVon Griffin of NASA GRC’s Human Research Program office for their guidance and direction on many key points in this paper.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 2 • April 2013
Pages: 451 - 458
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 19, 2012
Accepted: Sep 10, 2012
Published online: Sep 12, 2012
Published in print: Apr 1, 2013
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