NSBRI brings space biomedical research "down to Earth":

HOUSTON, March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- How does a new app help keep astronauts vigilant while in space and long-haul truck drivers alert on our nation's highways?

This topic and others will be featured at the U.S. Capitol in exhibits of scientific, technical and career development achievements funded by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI). NSBRI partners with a consortium of leading academic institutions and with NASA, for the shared goal of finding solutions to human health challenges in space and on Earth. The demonstrations are scheduled from noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Room SVC 209.

"As humans prepare for long-duration space missions to destinations far from Earth, practical solutions are needed to mitigate the many health risks faced by astronauts," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Sutton, NSBRI President, CEO, and Institute Director. "To address these medical concerns, the Institute is funding a portfolio of research projects that are closing gaps in knowledge and developing new technologies. These advances are also being applied to benefit people on Earth."

The demonstrations will highlight several of NSBRI's nearly 60 projects which are conducted as part of a team-based science approach that uses the resources of leading academic institutions to mitigate key health risks for astronauts and improve life on Earth.

The demonstrations include the following interactive exhibits:

• Advances in renal stone treatment in space and on Earth
• Technologies of the future: bone and brain
• Radiation effects and countermeasures
• Fatigue and safety: space exploration and commercial transportation
• Personalized medicine: omics and the Mars 500 project
• Post-graduate support of science, technology, and engineering.
• Career development in space biomedical sciences
• Next generation of space medicine physicians
• Astronauts and stroke patients: new technology for diagnosing intracranial pressure

The demonstrations will be conducted by principal investigators and program leaders from leading academic institutions and organizations, including scientists who have been sponsored via the NSBRI Industry Forum. The Forum fosters the commercialization of NSBRI-supported products and research, and engages the private sector in developing space compatible health care solutions.

Several young, talented researchers will also be present that have directly benefited from NSBRI's career development programs, that equip and train the next generation of researchers and physicians.

NSBRI, a 501(c)(3) organization partnered with NASA, is studying the health risks related to long-duration spaceflight and developing the technologies and countermeasures needed for human space exploration missions. The Institute's science, technology and career development projects take place at approximately 60 institutions across the United States.

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SOURCE National Space Biomedical Research Institute