With the ambition to expand human space exploration to the Moon and Mars, astronaut health is of major concern, especially regarding the adverse effects of long-duration exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation. Health risks related to ionizing radiation are further intensified beyond Low Earth Orbit, where the protective atmosphere and magnetosphere of Earth are no longer present. These risks are currently not well defined and urgently appeal for novel approaches to ensure safe deep space travel. In addition, with the advent of innovations in omic technologies, the concept of personalized medicine has received increased interest. Hence, non-invasive online health monitoring systems (e.g. skin sensors, saliva, and urine analysis) that permit the evaluation of the health status of the individual astronaut are crucial. Coupling the acquired data to predictive models would enable the establishment of personalized preventive measures. Yet, prior to these predictive models, the underlying biological mechanisms resulting from long-duration exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation need to be known for correct data interpretation. Therefore, advanced biological models and novel biosensors adequate for long-term space missions are needed. Finally, medical emergencies can always occur, and adequate intervention is wanted. Due to the distance from Earth, access to medical supplies or infrastructure is limited. Novel technologies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine warrant supplementary attention.
The aim of this Research Topic is to address the urgent need to ensure astronaut’s health and safety during long-duration space missions by providing an up-to-date overview of the ongoing research in different related areas. A special focus will be set on health monitoring and intervention systems.
We welcome manuscripts on theoretical and experimental studies focused on, but not limited to, the research themes below. Besides Original Research and Review articles, other article types are also accepted – you can find the full list below.
- Non-invasive online health monitoring systems
- Machine learning for predictive modeling as preventive measure
- Development of novel biosensors
- Models (in vitro, in vivo, or computational) to assess the biological effects of long-duration exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation
- Novel technologies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (e.g. 3D (bio)printing, organoids, Organ-on-Chip systems)
With the ambition to expand human space exploration to the Moon and Mars, astronaut health is of major concern, especially regarding the adverse effects of long-duration exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation. Health risks related to ionizing radiation are further intensified beyond Low Earth Orbit, where the protective atmosphere and magnetosphere of Earth are no longer present. These risks are currently not well defined and urgently appeal for novel approaches to ensure safe deep space travel. In addition, with the advent of innovations in omic technologies, the concept of personalized medicine has received increased interest. Hence, non-invasive online health monitoring systems (e.g. skin sensors, saliva, and urine analysis) that permit the evaluation of the health status of the individual astronaut are crucial. Coupling the acquired data to predictive models would enable the establishment of personalized preventive measures. Yet, prior to these predictive models, the underlying biological mechanisms resulting from long-duration exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation need to be known for correct data interpretation. Therefore, advanced biological models and novel biosensors adequate for long-term space missions are needed. Finally, medical emergencies can always occur, and adequate intervention is wanted. Due to the distance from Earth, access to medical supplies or infrastructure is limited. Novel technologies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine warrant supplementary attention.
The aim of this Research Topic is to address the urgent need to ensure astronaut’s health and safety during long-duration space missions by providing an up-to-date overview of the ongoing research in different related areas. A special focus will be set on health monitoring and intervention systems.
We welcome manuscripts on theoretical and experimental studies focused on, but not limited to, the research themes below. Besides Original Research and Review articles, other article types are also accepted – you can find the full list below.
- Non-invasive online health monitoring systems
- Machine learning for predictive modeling as preventive measure
- Development of novel biosensors
- Models (in vitro, in vivo, or computational) to assess the biological effects of long-duration exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation
- Novel technologies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (e.g. 3D (bio)printing, organoids, Organ-on-Chip systems)
