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The coming decades will see a large increase in the numbers of people who will have the opportunity to go into space, whether on traditional Earth-orbiting space stations, tourist spaceflights or proposed space hotels. In addition, humans are likely to be spending longer periods of time in the microgravity of space and the reduced gravity environments found on the moon and Mars, with plans for long-duration spaceflight to reach the red planet and habitation of a moon colony. The anatomy, physiology and psychology of humankind are shaped by the gravity we are subject to on Earth, and it is known that the removal or reduction of this force can have a detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing. Therefore, all steps must be taken to monitor these aspects. Currently, there is no safe and acceptable method to collect arterial blood in space, which can be used to obtain valuable blood gas and blood component variables. This chapter will outline the development of a method for safely collecting arterialized blood in space, the research and steps taken to ensure its suitability and applicability, in preparation for this growing presence of humans in space.

Introduction: The Bellagio II Summit discussed several aspects related to space nutrition, space pharmacy and the influence of the space environment on plants and their compounds. Plant germination and growth are influenced by innumerous environmental factors, such as the level of gravity and type of radiation. Since several plants have nutritive and medicinal value, the importance of their cultivation and consumption during space missions are unquestionable. Studies have demonstrated that simulated hypergravity through centrifuge exposure increases the number of seed germination, accelerates plant growth and the modifies metabolitesproduced by some plants. The radiation of space, either in Low Earth Orbit or in deep space, can also positively impact on plant growth and metabolite production.Methods: The effects of different levels of gravitational fields and types of radiation on plant germination and development were reviewed for application in space missions and food and pharmaceutical industries on Earth.Results: Faster germination and increased growth of Rocket plant seeds, as well as higher rates of germination of carrot seeds were observed when subjected to intermittent exposure at +7Gz. The scientific literature shows that using UV-C radiation (non-ionizing radiation) on arugula increased its production of antioxidant and polyphenols compounds, and shortened strawberry maturation by 4 to 8 days, without affecting the average weight of the fruit. Gamma (ionizing) radiation, however, reduced the average height of fava beans, but did not affect germination. It can also be used to disinfect vegetables.Discussion: This paper reviewed the literature related to the effects of hypergravity conditions, as well as different types of radiation exposure on the plant life cycle and production of their compounds. The findings reviewed suggest that several plants present faster rates of germination and growth under hypergravity conditions. This may motivate the cultivation of such plants and vegetables using this method, not only on Earth, but also in more extreme environments, such as those found on space stations and extra-terrestrial bases. Studies conducted worldwide have demonstrated the potential advantages of applying radiation onplants. Hypergravity and radiation exposure, therefore, might be useful for terrestrial applications, especially in food production and medication development.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a well-established part of basic life support (BLS), saving countless lives since its first development in the 1960s. Recently, work has been undertaken to develop methods of basic and advanced life support (ALS) in microgravity and hypogravity. Although the likelihood of a dangerous cardiac event occurring during space mission is rare, the possibility exists. The selection process for space missions nowadays considers individuals at ages and with health standards that would have precluded their selection in the past. The advent of space tourism may even enhance this possibility. This chapter presents a synthesis of the results obtained in studies conducted at the MicroG-PUCRS, Brazil, examining extraterrestrial CPR during ground-based microgravity and hypogravity simulations and during parabolic flights and sustained microgravity. It outlines the extraterrestrial BLS guidelines for both low-orbit and deep-space missions. The former are based on a combination of factors, unique for the environment of space. In a setting like this, increased physiological stress due to gravitational adaptation and the isolated nature of the environmental demands can affect the outcome of resuscitation procedure.

Many environmental factors such as soil, temperature and gravity influence plant development. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of hypergravity on Eruca sativa Mill. (Rocket plant). A centrifuge was used to perform hypergravity experiments. Rocket plant seeds were placed on germination paper followed by the addition of water, and subsequently subjected to intermittent hypergravity (8h hypergravity followed by 16h rest), repeated over four days. Total germination and size of seedling were evaluated before and after being cultivated in soil in a natural environment. Results showed that root growth was greater in the centrifuge group than the control group. The growth of shoots after transference to soil was also found to be higher than the control group. Additionally, the centrifuge group of rocket seeds germinated 1% more and had a material mass of almost 20% more than the control group

INTRODUCTION: The LBNP box is widely used to study cardiovascular physiology, orthostatic intolerance and responses to exercise. An exercise multiplatform (ENTIRETY) was constructed for use in an LBNP box. The study evaluated physiological responses and perceived exertion (RPE) during 5 min of exercise using ENTIRETY in supine and standing positions. METHODS: Six subjects (28.8±10.9yr, 64.8±11.2kg,163.2±6.9cm) had heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), electromyography of the VL and VM muscles (sEMG), and Borg scale RPE measured at rest and during exercise in both body positions. RESULTS: Increased HR during the 5 min exercise was not affected by body position. However, a decrease in VO2 and VCO2 (29.34±22.79ml/kg/min; 26.30±6.66ml/kg/min) mean measurements for the supine position in comparison to the orthostatic position (14.2±4.45ml/kg/min; 18.40±4.55ml/kg/min) (P

Introduction: The analysis of bioelectrical signals has contributed to a better physiological monitoring of individuals. The products available on the market permit the acquisition of physiological signals for approximately 2h30min, as they are mainly developed for quick medical exams, like ECG performance. However, monitoring for a longer time period is necessary in many cases, such as athletes during heavy exercise, human physiology studies, and patients suffering from a range of different diseases. Objectives: To develop a new conductive gel formulation that allows the acquisition of cardiovascular physiological signals for 12 hours. Methods: Six conductive gel formulations were developed that were tested using the TEMIS system, which consists of a Tshirt with sensors connected to a mobile platform for data acquisition. The ECG signals were registered from healthy volunteers, comparing the new formulations with water and a commercial gel (Lectromed). The tests were performed on consecutive days during 12 hours during which the new gels, water and Lectromed gel were applied using the TEMIS system and registered on a tachogram. The signals obtained were analyzed using the FisioSinal program and the degree of reliability evaluated. Results and Discussion: Data analysis showed that gel number 1 presented a longer durability by maintaining the electrical properties for approximately 4h30min, which proved to be more effective than the commercially available gel. It was verified that the type, polymer concentration, and humectant employed influenced the conduction time of the gel. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that silicone negatively interfered in the contact time. Conclusion: This preliminary study showed that the gel formulation 1 presented an improvement in relation to the commercial gel against which it was tested. However, the durability of 12h expected from the new gel formulations was not obtained, motivating continuation of this research.

Introduction: The human spine has evolved to support and facilitate movement in Earth’s gravity. In microgravity, an absence of axial loading results in significant stature elongation, lower back pain and an increased risk of disc herniation, particularly of the thoracolumbar (T7-L3) region. Hyper-Buoyancy Flotation (HBF) a novel method of axial unloading, which we have demonstrated to induce stature elongation in excess of that associated with head down tilt. Skinsuit aims to provide partial (0.2G) axial loading (from shoulder to foot) in a graduated manner analogous to Earth’s gravity. Thus, this study sought to determine the effect of unloading induced by 8h HBF with, and without partial axial reloading provided by the Mk VI SkinSuit upon stature and determine the proportion attributable to thoracolumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) elongation. Method: 9 healthy males (30±5yrs; 177.9±6.9cm; 74.9±8.1kg) gave written informed consent to participate in two randomised sessions of laying for 8h either with or without the SkinSuit on the HBF. Stature and subjective ratings of comfort and pain were recorded, PRE, DURING and POST. Intervertebral assessment (IVA) of the thoracic and lumbar spine was obtained from a Hologic Discovery-A QDR Series bone densitometry scan performed before and following each session to determine thoracolumbar (T7-L3) length and cumulative IVD height. Stature elongation, thoracolumbar elongation and IVD height were compared between conditions with a t-test and subjective data a Wilcoxon test. Results: Significant stature elongation was induced with, and without the SkinSuit following 8h on the HBF (1.7±0.5cm vs. 2.1±0.4cm), albeit lower with the SkinSuit. Similarly, thoracolumbar elongation obtained from the IVA at baseline (287.0±12.1mm) was lower when wearing the SkinSuit vs. control (289.9±8.5mm vs. 291.1±11.4mm) albeit non-significantly. Cumulative IVD height increments from baseline (58.1±7.1mm) recorded in the centre of the disk were also lower with SkinSuit wear (61.0±7.5mm vs. 63.8±7.5mm), accounting for 70% of the difference in stature elongation reported between conditions. Median induced back pain was similar between conditions, however the interquartile range was considerably lower in SkinSuit [2.5 (2.0-3.0)] vs. control [2.5 (2.0-7.0)]. Discussion: Low level (0.2G) axial loading provided by the SkinSuit, partly attenuated HBF-induced stature and thoracolumbar elongation. IVD height was also partly attenuated with SkinSuit wear, accounting for the majority of total stature change between conditions. Maximal back pain was lower in those who wore the SkinSuit, possibly due to the IVD re-compression. However, our data suggests that significant IVD expansion may also occur during axial unloading beyond the thoracolumbar region in addition to spinal curvature modification . Thus, MRI studies are planned to determine the effect of axial unloading and reloading on total spinal length, IVD heights and spinal curvature.

eHealth Projects of the Microgravity Centre