From space technology to the discovery of “10 medical innovations” | Bangkok Insight

From space technology to the discovery of “10 medical innovations” that are widely used today.

In October 2023, Thailand launched a satellite. THEOS-2 It entered orbit at the European Spaceport in French Guiana. South America This is an important step in the Thai space industry.

THEOS-2 is an Earth observation satellite. Its main mission is to record images of the Earth's surface in both Thailand and different regions around the world in order to improve the geographic information database. This will help in planning and managing the area efficiently. Including agricultural management, water management, natural disaster management, and city and natural resources management

10 space-inspired technologies

In the past, our world has applied knowledge about space in various ways. Including medical applications, here are 10 health technology discoveries that benefit space technology.

• Robotic surgery for brain tumors

Canadarm 2, a robotic arm mounted on the outside of the International Space Station, was developed by Canada. For missions outside the space station to avoid the risks of having to send astronauts to carry out missions instead. This technology has led to the creation of Nervous arm orIntelligent brain surgery robot It can perform precise surgery and due to its ability to move more precisely than a human hand, the NeuroArm has now been successfully used to remove brain tumors in patients.

• Eye tracking devices for laser eye surgery

The lack of gravity in space has changed the way astronauts' eyes move and how they perceive movement. This is why eye movement detectors were developed. Monitoring the direction of vision of astronauts while working in zero gravity.

Meanwhile, eye movement during laser eye surgery may be a problem. An eye movement detector was developed for astronauts and is therefore used in…Laser eye surgery This ensures that the laser beam is in the correct position.

• Helping asthma patients

Nitric oxide gas is a common air pollutant on Earth and on the International Space Station. When a person suffers from a respiratory disorder, as is the case in people with asthma, we will find that there is an increase in nitric oxide gas in the air. What is lost in exhalation, the European Space Agency has developed a device that can do thisMeasures nitric oxide gas in the air That the astronaut carefully exhales to check for possible symptoms of a respiratory infection

This way you will be able to know the condition of the astronaut in advance. And receive timely treatment before symptoms worsen. This technology is currently used by asthma patients to detect the amount of nitric oxide present in the air they exhale due to inflammation in the lungs.

• Osteoporosis treatment

It is known that in the absence of gravity, a significant loss of bone mineral density occurs in the bodies of astronauts, which is similar to the loss of elderly people who suffer from osteoporosis. Therefore, astronauts try to exercise regularly while performing missions outside space.

But through medical research it was found that eatingBisphosphonates (bisphosphonates) Small amounts each week can help reduce bone loss. Later, knowledge from these discoveries has therefore been applied to the world's elderly until the present time.

• Measuring body temperature

Decades ago, at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, infrared technology was developed to measure the temperatures of planets and stars. This technology was not developed until 1991Thermometers that are inserted into the patient's ear (intra-ear thermometers) Which can read temperature values ​​in just seconds

It has been proven to give accurate temperature readings. This makes this technology widely used in hospitals. Plastic surgery doctor or even at the patient's home

• Measurement of intracranial pressure

While examining the changes in the astronauts' vision, it was found that they were the result of increased intracranial pressure caused by an increased amount of fluid in the spinal fluid. This is where flight surgeons need a quick and easy solution. To monitor these pressure changes

UK research leads to developmentA device that can measure intracranial pressure.Using eardrum movement which is unobtrusive is fast and can be used anywhere

• Treatment of kidney stones

Being in space increases the risk of kidney stones in astronauts. Kidney stones can cause serious infections and complications. Even having to see a doctor urgently

Research has evolved with NASAUltrasound technologyOr a Star Trek-like hand-held sound wave generator that can detect moving stones and break up stones. This technology could also benefit people with kidney stones in the world.

• Clear braces

Transparent polycrystalline alumina is a strong, crack-resistant ceramic. It has transparent properties. This material was developed for use in the defense and aviation industry.

Later, this material was applied in production.Clear orthodontic appliancesWhich resembles the color of teeth. After trying it, this material has become one of the most popular orthodontic products in cases where visible braces are not desirable.

• Measurement of cancerous infections and lesions

In the past, NASA developed digital signal processing using advanced technology. To improve images of the lunar surface to find the most suitable location for a lunar landing in the Apollo era.

Currently, these digital signal processing techniques are widely applied inCT scanner And Magnetic resonance imaging To help doctors find infections and cancer. Without the need to perform surgery on the patient to examine the inside. These technologies continue to be developed until now.

• Dialysis machine from the filtration system on board a spacecraft

Deep space travel requires limiting the amount of water. This is because its weight will be a hindrance if it is carried in excessive quantities. The method they use is water recycling. It purifies most of the fluids on the International Space Station, including urine.

While developing this filter system, scientists use the same technology. To get rid of toxic waste in the dialysis solution used as well. This development led toNew technology in dialysis machinesThis no longer requires water and sewer connections. This makes the dialysis machine use less energy and be easy to carry. This allows it to be used at home as well.

Thanks for the information. Gistda

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