Contents
The microgravity environment in orbital stations and the many research projects in space have led to the creation of new technologies. Many we use in everyday life. Understanding how space has helped medicine
The best way to measure temperature
Determining body temperature became much more convenient in the 1990s with the advent of an electronic thermometer that used the eardrum for this. It was introduced in 1991 by Diatek. The technology for it was created at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The original goal of the development was to measure the temperatures of stars and planets due to infrared radiation emanating from them.
Relief for asthma sufferers
When astronauts are in space, their vital signs are constantly measured, including so that researchers can understand how the absence of gravity affects the human body. A team of scientists from the European Space Agency (ESA) is conducting an “Airway Monitoring Experiment” to study how much nitric oxide is in astronauts’ lungs. Molecules of this substance are constantly produced by the human body. They are extremely important for vasodilation – the expansion of blood vessels and improving blood circulation.
Specialists from the ESA emphasize: “A small amount (nitric oxide. — Trends) is normal, but excess indicates airway inflammation. It can be caused by both environmental factors, such as dust and harmful substances, and diseases, such as asthma.” Such experiments make it easier to study the respiratory systems not only of astronauts, but also of ordinary people.
Prevention of osteoporosis
Specialists of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “NMIC TPM” of the Ministry of Health of our country explain: “Osteoporosis is a disease associated with the loss of calcium in the bones. Most often it appears in women, which is primarily due to the onset of menopause. During this period, there is a decrease in calcium content and bone strength, as a result of which the bones become more fragile and easily damaged. This disease also affects older people aged 60-70 years, including men. Because of it, fractures of the bones of the thigh, forearm, and also the vertebrae in the back are possible. The causes of the disease are a decrease in the calcium content in the bones, as well as a decrease in the amount of vitamin D. In addition, its appearance is associated with a decrease in physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and taking certain medications.
Due to lack of physical activity, astronauts in space lose bone mass about ten times faster than osteoporosis. Daily exercise, along with a weekly dose of bisphosphonate class of drugs, helps to combat this. These two methods also help mitigate the effects of aging on Earth.
robot surgeon
The Canadarm 2 robotic arm was designed to repair the exterior of the ISS without spacewalk. A similar technology is being used on Earth in the form of the neuroArm, an automated surgical system. The device eliminates the natural trembling of human hands and helps to perform complex operations on the brain.
Safety glasses and discreet braces
In space, an astronaut’s vision is critical. Engineers at the NASA Glenn Research Center have created a film of diamond-like carbon that is applied to the lenses of glasses. The coating is 10 times more scratch resistant than regular glass. This technology is also used in conventional ophthalmology. Invisible braces are made of transparent polycrystalline alumina. This durable material was first developed at NASA for rocket weapons.