Seven scientists named as research team leaders for space biomedical institute

HOUSTON, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) has enlisted seven of the nation's top scientists to serve as team leaders in its efforts to protect astronaut health during long-duration spaceflight. Each of the scientists will lead one of NSBRI's seven discipline area research teams focused on specific challenges faced by humans in space.

"NSBRI's position at the forefront of space biomedical research will be enhanced with these outstanding scientists serving as team leaders," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Sutton, NSBRI president and CEO. "Their expertise and knowledge will be beneficial to the Institute, NASA and human spaceflight in general. They will play an instrumental role in our efforts to overcome health challenges facing humans while in space and to improve health care on Earth." 

The team leaders are responsible for reporting on their teams' research projects and working closely with the NSBRI Science Office and NASA to ensure alignment with operational needs. The team leaders' term is for three years and they must also have a currently funded NSBRI research project.

The NSBRI teams address space health concerns such as bone loss and muscle weakening, balance and orientation problems, neurobehavioral and psychosocial problems, radiation exposure, remote medical care and research capabilities, and habitability and performance issues during spaceflight.

The team leaders and their institutions are:

• Cardiovascular Alterations Team
  Dr. Benjamin D. Levine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
• Human Factors and Performance Team
  Dr. Elizabeth B. Klerman, Harvard Medical School-Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Musculoskeletal Alterations Team
  Dr. Lori Ploutz-Snyder, Universities Space Research Association
• Neurobehavioral and Psychosocial Factors Team
  Dr. David F. Dinges, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
• Radiation Effects Team
  Dr. Ann R. Kennedy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
• Sensorimotor Adaptation Team
  Dr. Charles M. Oman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Smart Medical Systems and Technology Team
  Dr. Gary E. Strangman, Harvard Medical School-Massachusetts General Hospital

NSBRI, funded by NASA, is a consortium of institutions studying the health risks related to long-duration spaceflight and developing the medical technologies needed for long missions. NSBRI's science, technology and education projects take place at more than 60 institutions across the United States.

For more information about the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, please visit www.nsbri.org.

The release is available at www.nsbri.org/newsflash/indivArticle.asp?id=454&articleID=164.

SOURCE National Space Biomedical Research Institute