The top 5 ways space benefits your health
Space Exploration: Revolutionizing Healthcare
Space exploration has always been a source of technological innovation, and its impact on healthcare is no exception. Beyond the realm of consumer gadgets, such as wireless headsets and scratch-resistant lenses, space exploration provides insights into the human body and contributes to scientific advancements that benefit people worldwide. Europe, in particular, has been at the forefront of space exploration for health-related purposes. In this article, we will explore the top five stories from Europe’s space programs that have revolutionized healthcare.
Gravity, an omnipresent force on Earth, influences every aspect of our lives. However, studying phenomena under the influence of gravity poses significant challenges. In microgravity conditions, scientists can observe and investigate fundamental mechanisms that are free from the interference of gravity. The International Space Station (ISS) serves as an invaluable platform for conducting research that would be impossible to perform on Earth.
One area where space exploration has had a significant impact is in understanding the effects of aging. Spending time in microgravity has been found to accelerate the aging process on the human body. Astronauts who spend six months in space experience a loss in bone density of about 1% per month, along with muscle atrophy. To combat these detrimental effects, astronauts exercise for two hours every day on the Space Station. Furthermore, various experiments, such as the Molecular Muscle Experiment and Myotones, investigate the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal system. The In Vitro Bone experiment, conducted in 2018, monitored the degradation of bone cells in the presence and absence of the irisin protein. The study found that irisin counteracts the effect of microgravity, offering potential therapeutic applications for an aging population.
Another significant development in space exploration for healthcare is the monitoring of heart function. HeartKinetics, a technology developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA) innovation center in Belgium, allows remote monitoring of heart activity using the sensors in smartphones. By recording mechanical activity and rhythm, HeartKinetics provides a non-invasive cardiac assessment within minutes. This technology has the potential to benefit the millions of individuals living with cardiovascular diseases in the EU who may not always have access to timely medical care.
Space exploration has also provided insights into the growth and function of blood vessels. By cultivating human endothelial cells, which line the inner walls of blood vessels, researchers have observed how these cells function and grow under microgravity conditions. The Spheroids experiment conducted on the ISS in 2016 yielded remarkable results, as cell cultures formed three-dimensional structures without external support, paving the way for potential applications in growing artificial blood vessels and improving treatments for blood-related diseases such as hypertension and thrombosis.
Space research has even impacted the field of ophthalmology. Researchers developed an eye-tracking device to study how astronauts cope with lack of gravity as a reference point for eye movement. This technology, initially designed for space, has found an essential application in laser-eye surgery. Tracking a patient’s eye movement very important during laser procedures, and the eye-tracking device ensures precise targeting of the laser scalpel.
Lastly, space exploration has shed light on the potential benefits of hibernation for both space travel and medical applications. Astronauts embarking on long-duration missions to Mars could enter a state of torpor, reducing their metabolic rates and energy consumption. This would enable them to require less food and water during space travel. Moreover, hibernation has shown promise in mitigating the harmful effects of cosmic radiation. On Earth, induced torpor has various medical applications, such as anesthesia replacement or improving survival rates in critical scenarios like heart attacks or injuries.
To wrap it up, Europe’s space programs have made significant contributions to healthcare through space exploration. From understanding the effects of microgravity on aging to developing innovative technologies for remote cardiac monitoring, the impact of space research on healthcare is undeniable. As we continue to explore the vastness of space, we can expect further scientific advancements that will benefit people worldwide, bringing us one step closer to a healthier future.