What can we cure and what ailments will we face in space?

By exploring space humans have found a unique platform for conducting experiments. Airless space and the absence of gravity make it possible to create the most amazing technologies, including those for the field of medicine. It is possible that in the very near future with the help of technologies developed in space we will be able to cure the diseases that have been afflicting people for centuries. But on the other hand, no one knows what completely new problems our organism may face in the conditions of outer space and on other planets.

For example, the return of astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent one year on the International Space Station, provides some insight into the effects of space travel. Scott was part of the Twins Study conducted by NASA. Upon return, Scott’s physiological data was compared to that of his twin brother. Researchers found that there were changes in Scott’s gene expression — for example, 7 percent of his DNA remained “space DNA” even after six months.

What’s more, astronauts on the International Space Station are growing crystals that could help produce new drugs to use here on Earth. In fact, many health-related breakthroughs come from space exploration.

For instance, robots that can perform surgery come from the invention of the Canadarm2, a robotic arm that is attached to the outside of the International Space Station. While eye trackers used in laser eye surgery stem from high-tech eye trackers that were invented to see where astronauts look during their regular work in microgravity.

Or we can use 3D bioprinter for printing human organs.

Although there are many positive health-related breakthroughs that come from exploring space one of the main problems that we need to solve is: «How do we provide emergency medical assistance in space?». Astronauts could possibly break bones, have a heart attack, or various other unexpected medical situations. Luckily, experts are looking into it and emergency medicine in space was recently discussed at this year’s Euroanaesthesia congress, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, in June.

But when it comes to space there is no shortage of issues to address. A lack of gravity plays with our bodies from the bones, muscles, organs, and eyeballs, to even the brain itself. Plus, there are higher risks of infection that come from sealing half a dozen people inside a self-contained vessel, where a virus or bacterium could simply circulate ’round and ’round, from person to person indefinitely.

Here are 3 few of the most puzzling problems that experts are trying to solve.

As the first-ever space Nation Asgardia has the long-term objective of setting up habitable platforms in space, thus health is a major concern and Asgardia is always looking for scientific breakthroughs.

If you’re interested in working on creating a demilitarized and free scientific base of knowledge in space among other forward-looking ambitions then join Asgardia today and become an official citizen.

Originally published at asgardia.space.