Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_medicine
＞Who benefits from space medicine research?
Astronauts are not the only ones who benefit from space medicine research. Several medical products have been developed that are space spinoffs , that is practical applications for the field of medicine arising out of the space program. Because of joint research efforts between NASA, the National Institutes on Aging (a part of the National Institutes of Health), and other aging-related organizations, space exploration has benefitted a particular segment of society, seniors. Evidence of aging related medical research conducted in space was most publicly noticeable during STS-95 (See below).
Medical space spinoffs from the early space exploration years (pre-Mercury through Apollo projects)
- Radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. In conjunction with Cleveland Clinic,
the cyclotron at NASA’s center in Cleveland, Ohio—which had been utilized for testing nuclear propulsion systems for air and space craft—was used in the first clinical trials for the treatment and evaluation of neutron radiation therapy for cancer patients.
- Foldable walkers. Made from a lightweight metal material developed by NASA for aircraft and spacecraft, foldable walkers are portable and easy to manage.
- Personal alert systems. These are emergency alert devices that can be worn by individuals who may require emergency medical or safety assistance. When a button is pushed, the device sends a signal to a remote location for help. To send the signal, the device relies on telemetry technology developed at NASA.
- CAT Scans and MRIs. These devices are used by hospitals to see inside the human body . Their development would not have been possible without the technology provided by NASA after it found a way to take better pictures of the Earth’s moon.
- Muscle stimulator device. This device is used for ½ hour per day to prevent muscle atrophy in paralyzed individuals. It provides electrical stimulation to muscles which is equal to jogging three miles per week. Christopher Reeves used these in his therapy.
- Orthopedic evaluation tools. Equipment to evaluate posture, gait, and balance disturbances was developed at NASA, along with a radiation-free way to measure bone flexibility using vibration.
- Foam cushioning. Special foam used for cushioning astronauts during liftoff is used in pillows and mattresses at many nursing homes and hospitals to help prevent ulcers, relieve pressure, and provide a better night’s sleep.
- Kidney dialysis machines. These machines rely on technology developed by NASA in order to process and remove toxic waste from used dialysis fluid.
- Talking wheelchairs. Paralyzed individuals who have difficulty speaking may use a talking feature on their wheelchairs which was developed by NASA to create synthesized speech for aircraft.
- Collapsible, lightweight wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are designed for portability and can be folded and put into trunks of cars. They rely on synthetic materials that NASA developed for its air and space craft
- Surgically implantable heart pacemaker. These devices depend on technologies developed by NASA for use with satellites. They communicate information about the activity of the pacemaker, such as how �much time remains before the batteries �need to be replaced.
- Implantable heart defibrillator. This tool continuously monitors heart activity and �can deliver an electric shock to restore heartbeat regularity.
- EMS Communications. Technology used to communicate telemetry between Earth and space was developed by NASA to monitor the health of astronauts in space from the ground. Ambulances use this same technology to send information—like EKG readings—from patients in transport to hospitals. This allows faster and better treatment.
- Weightlessness. While not an invention per se, the weightlessness of space one day may allow individuals with limited mobility on Earth--even those normally confined to wheelchairs--the freedom to move about with ease. A notable individual to take advantage of weightlessness in the "Vomit Comet" during 2007 was physicist Stephen Hawking .
Major historical 宇宙医学
出典: フリー百科事典『ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』
宇宙医学（うちゅういがく）とは宇宙空間 、宇宙飛行 下の諸条件が人体 に及ぼす影響を解明し、その適性、順応、保護などを研究する学問。生理学 的、心理学 的研究が行われる。ロケット 打ち上げや降下の際の加速度 、放射線 （宇宙線 ）、強い光線 、高・低温からの人体の保護、宇宙船 内での酸素 濃度や気圧 の変化、無重力 状態下の生活と人体への影響、生活周期の乱れや孤独感、不安感などの精神的負荷など、研究内容は多岐にわたる。スペースシャトル や宇宙ステーション 内での人為的活動を行なう際に、健康維持の方法を考察する。今後の宇宙開発 の重要テーマでもある。
かつては、初期のクラーク 作品に見られるように、宇宙の無重力空間に人間が進出したら重力に起因する様々な健康上の問題から解放され、長寿にもなるだろうという意見があったが、実際に有人ロケットが打ち上げられ、百日単位で宇宙に滞在する人間が出るようになると、様々な弊害が出ることが判明した。宇宙空間では重力がないため、重い体重を支える必要のない骨からカルシウム が溶け出したり（長期間生活すると止まるという説あり）、負荷がかからないため筋力が弱まって地上に降りると立つことも困難になるなどの現象が起きたのである。そのため、宇宙進出にあたっては、宇宙空間の特性に応じた医学が必要となった。
CAT Scans and MRIs. These devices are used by hospitals to see inside the human body . Their development would not have been possible without the technology provided by NASA after it found a way to take better pictures of the Earth’s moon.