Medical Care in Microgravity

By Tina Beychok

A new, lightweight cap currently being tested for use on astronauts during space missions may also have some practical applications here on Earth. The cap, designed by a medical team at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute uses diffuse optical tomography to shine near-infrared light into various regions of the brain to detect differences in blood flow and oxygen levels. This will allow for diagnosis of various neurological conditions such as strokes or seizures.

The cap is being tested during performance of various tasks, including a mock space docking, so that researchers can assess reaction time and decision-making pathways in the brain. The cap may also help physicians on Earth detect any abnormal changes in astronauts' brain function such as intracranial pressure, which can occur during spaceflight. Additionally, because the cap is lightweight and portable, it is very easy for astronauts to wear while they are moving around performing various tasks. The researchers are also working to enable the cap to interpret data automatically, thereby reducing time lag while waiting for the data to be transmitted back to Earth.

A press release on the device can be found at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute web site.

Tina Beychok is a medical editor and is married to OASIS president Steve Bartlett. When not working as a space activist, she teaches fencing at Renaissance Fairs and greatly enjoys allowing five-year-olds to poke holes in her.