Latest news with #spacehealth
Phone Arena
an hour ago
- Health
- Phone Arena
The Galaxy Watch Ultra now apparently has space travel ambitions
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Ultra now has something extraordinary to brag about. Apparently, the smartwatch was selected to be a part of an ongoing, first-of-its-kind study. The Watch was used to monitor the health effects that astronauts experience during space travel in the study. Hear that, Apple Watch Ultra 2?In the study, the Galaxy Watch Ultra was strapped to the wrist of six people. These individuals were isolated in a test facility on Earth for eight days, in an environment that is designed to show the psychological and physical effects of a mission in space. The study is conducted by the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the Institute of Aerospace Medicine. The isolation study, named SOLIS8, is the first of this type of study with smartwatches used for health monitoring. The study team is partnering with Samsung Germany and IT service provider Adesso. They have chosen the Galaxy Watch Ultra as an easy-to-use device that is cable-free and is able to record and collate health and vital signs, without a data connection. Representatives of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine have said that the use of smartwatches in their study reveals that the timepieces can be used for vital sign monitoring without intermediate devices (like a smartphone), and even in challenging situations. The team also says that secure encryption and ease of use of smartwatches open up new prospects in space exploration. It can also be used in remote research stations and even in telemedicine. Will the Galaxy Watch Ultra soon accompany astronauts in real space? | Image Credit - Institute of Aerospace Medicine The data that was collected during the test is now being used to inform a "Biobase" created by the DLR. This Biobase is dedicated to monitoring life support systems and the vital signs of these "habinauts", where astronauts spend longer in space in a controlled, isolated environment. This comes after another study, again with the partnership of Samsung, which helped figure out if unmodified smartwatches could work in space. All the encrypted data streams and sensor readings were tested successfully. During this study, the Galaxy Watch Ultra was connected to a local Wi-Fi network. All its data was collected, encrypted, and processed locally, according to the IT firm participant had to wear the Galaxy Watch Ultra at all times, of course, except while it was charging. The participants weren't just locked in a room; they were put in simulations of real space missions. There were three men and three women in complete isolation, with no external contact and no daylight for eight days (I'm lucky not to be an astronaut, just saying). The participants also had to follow a strict schedule of when to eat, sleep, exercise, and even take a shower. These isolation studies show and help researchers figure out how the conditions in space could affect astronauts. According to Sarah Piechowski-Worms, who was leading the study, the data is still limited, though. The SOLIS8 study with the Galaxy Watch Ultra was able to provide deeper data insights into the effects of long periods of space travel, and also on how people function in confined spaces and strict schedules. The Galaxy Watch Ultra. | Image Credit - PhoneArena Right now, the data from the study is being evaluated, so the results of the study have not been published just yet. But obviously, we can see that this is just the start. The next study, which will be called SOLIS100, will begin in the future, and the study will last for 100 days. It will include both a main crew and a backup crew.I personally think this is really exciting. Not just because the Galaxy Watch Ultra got to "go to space" (well, sort of), but because we're seeing smartwatches being used in ways that felt like science fiction not long ago. The fact that this little device can track vital signs without cables or phones, even in space-like isolation, is wild. And this is just the beginning, I can't wait to see what comes next – maybe one day astronauts will rely on smartwatches the same way we rely on them for fitness tracking or sleep. Space tech is getting personal, and that's kind of awesome.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Space photo of the day for July 21, 2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Aboard the International Space Station, astronauts work to study how the microgravity atmosphere affects human health, such as muscle development and bone structure. What is it? As part of a project to look at how microgravity affects cellular health, ISS Commander Takuya Onishi of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and NASA Expedition 73 Flight Engineer Nichole Ayers collect blood samples from the astronauts on the space station. Given that gravity is almost nonexistent on the ISS, it can make things like blood collection somewhat challenging, as things float away or have to be tied down. Where is it? This photo was taken aboard the ISS, around 250 miles (402 km) from Earth in low-Earth orbit. Why is it amazing? The blood being collected in this image is part of the larger Immunity Assay human research investigation project, which looks at any signs of possible space-caused stress on cells in the body. Microgravity, radiation, confinement and a change in sleep-wake cycles and can exert pressure on cells, driving lower immune systems and making astronauts more susceptible to being sick during or after missions. By collecting and analyzing blood, experts can look for possible stress markers, immune cell levels and other signs that can see how being in space alters a person's overall health. This can help doctors adjust regimens in real time to ensure the best results for crew members on the ISS. Want to learn more? You can read more about spaceflight health and studies on microgravity's effects on the human body. Solve the daily Crossword
Medscape
22-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Going to Mars? Your Body Might Disagree
On the journey to Mars, one rule stands out: Expect the unexpected. Medical self-sufficiency and adaptability are essential for survival in space. Bergita Ganse, MD, PhD, from Saarland University, in Saarbrücken, Germany; Bimba Franziska Hoyer, MD, head of the Rheumatology Section and Center for Inflammatory Medicine at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany, and associated with the German Aerospace Center; and Claudia Stern, MD, senior researcher, head of the department and flight surgeon in the Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, emphasized this message during their lectures at the 131st Congress of the German Society of Internal Medicine. The 260 days of weightlessness during the journey to Mars present significant physical and psychological challenges for astronauts, with risks that remain inadequately researched. Muscle Atrophy Within merely 5-11 days in space, astronauts can lose up to 20% of their muscle mass, particularly in the lower extremities. Type II muscle fibers, which are responsible for powerful strength, are particularly affected. This transition from endurance-oriented type I fibers to power-oriented type II fibers further impairs muscle endurance. The loss of muscle strength often exceeds the loss of muscle mass due to fat deposits. Daily intensive onboard training programs of approximately 2.5 hours can slow muscle loss but cannot fully prevent it. Full recovery of muscle fiber composition may take several months after their return to Earth. Bone Density Bone mass decreases by 1%-2% per month in space, potentially leading to a loss of up to 20% during a Mars mission. The weight-bearing bones in the legs are particularly affected. Regeneration of bone mineral density is exceedingly slow and can take years. Consequently, osteoporosis results in permanent changes in the bone structure. Along with targeted strength training, calcium, vitamin D, and bisphosphonates are used as countermeasures, although their effectiveness remains limited. Cartilage Damage Upon returning to Earth, astronauts may experience cartilage damage due to rapid reloading. Loss of collagen and changes in the subchondral bone increase the risk for pain and functional limitations. Urinary biomarkers may help detect cartilage damage early in the future. Back Pain More than half of astronauts suffer from back pain while in space, often associated with an increased risk for herniated discs. The cause is likely due to the pressure placed on the intervertebral discs during weightlessness. Discomfort impairs sleep and work ability, which could have serious consequences on a Mars mission. Vision Changes Since 2008, visual changes after long-term missions have been documented, commonly involving papilledema, increased intraocular pressure, and blurred vision. The causes appear to be multifactorial, with cephalad fluid shifts, increased intracranial pressure, elevated CO2 levels, and genetic factors all playing a role. While symptoms generally resolve upon return, they could potentially become critical issues on longer missions. Medications and Diagnostics How medications work in microgravity and radiation is still not well understood. Dose adjustments and drug stability must be reassessed for long missions. Diagnostic devices must be small, independent, and artificial intelligence–supported, as telemedicine is limited by communication delays of up to 44 minutes. Immune System Under Pressure Isolation, stress, radiation, and long mission durations can significantly weaken astronauts' immune systems due to changes in cytokine levels, alterations in lymphocyte populations, and an increased risk for viral reactivation observed under space conditions. Infections such as herpes zoster or bacterial contamination can thus lead to problems, particularly given the limited treatment options due to limited resources. Conclusion The medical challenges of a Mars mission are vast, ranging from muscle and bone loss to vision problems, radiation exposure, psychological stress, and limited medical care, all of which pose major risks to astronaut health and performance. Advancements in training, diagnostics, and treatment are urgently needed. Reaching Mars will require innovative solutions and interdisciplinary teamwork; however, the journey begins with the Moon and many more research milestones.
