HF440: The Reality of Aerospace Physiology

Introduction

  • Instructor opens the session and engages with the class.

  • Focus: Integrating concepts learned throughout the semester.

Lecture by Dr. Jessica Mayer

  • Dr. Jessica Mayer is a physiologist currently operating from the International Space Station (ISS).

  • Recent interaction with the Artemis crew, providing a real-time connection between the ISS and crew.

Overview of Lecture Content

  • Relevance of Dr. Mayer's lecture to class topics on physiology.

  • Physiological studies are essential for understanding how living systems function in extreme environments like space.

  • Physiology as the science of life that helps understand biological systems within their environments.

Lecture Purpose

  • The lecture serves as a resource and discussion point for students' final projects.

  • Encouragement for students to explore materials available on platforms like YouTube for supplemental learning resources.

Class Structure and Project Guidance

  • Lecture duration: approximately one hour.

  • Remaining time allocated for students to work on group projects with instructor support.

  • Project goals:
      - No expectation for students to come up with novel solutions.
      - Emphasis on discussing existing solutions related to identified problems.

Orthostatic Intolerance Solutions

  • Mention of suits used by astronauts to mitigate orthostatic intolerance effects.

  • Exploration of the physical implications of space travel on human physiology.

Research on Orthostatic Intolerance

  • Brief dive into current research on technologies used to combat issues faced by astronauts, particularly related to blood circulation in microgravity environments.

  • Employment of gradient compression garments as a countermeasure.

  • Importance of problem-solving processes to ensure astronaut safety during missions.

Dr. Mayer's Background and Credentials

  • Introduction of Dr. Mayer's qualifications and history in physiology, particularly in relation to her work with NASA and ISS missions.

  • Notable past roles: participation in human physiology research related to the Space Shuttle program and ISS.
      - Involvement in reduced gravity aircraft flights.
      - Experience in NASA's extreme environment missions.

Academic Pathway

  • Undergrad Bachelor's in Biology from Brown University.

  • Ph.D. research on diving physiology of emperor penguins and elephant seals.

  • Exploration of high-pressure and low-pressure environments and their effects on marine animals.

  • Accumulated significant experience (205 days in space, 3,280 orbits, 86,900,000 miles traveled).

ISS Experience and Physiological Implementations

  • Discussion on the importance of physiological research conducted on the ISS.

  • Daily routines include exercise, scientific experiments across various disciplines, and conducting physiological studies.

Scientific Projects Undertaken

  • Protein Crystal Growth: Achieving better quality crystals in microgravity for pharmaceutical advancements.

  • Spacewalks: Documented numerous spacewalks focusing on the enhanced capability of astronauts in microgravity.

  • Diving Physiology Studies: Use of telemetry and metabolic measurements from marine animals to inform on adaptations and physiological responses.

Examples of Experiments Conducted in Space

  • Cardiac Tissue Engineering: Experiments to assess cardiac function in microgravity by creating engineered heart tissues from stem cells.

  • Rodent Research: Studies on muscle degradation using genetically modified mice (myostatin knockouts) to explore muscle mass retention without traditional exercise regimes.

Innovative Technologies

  • Introduction of the biofabrication facility aimed at 3D printing human organs.

  • Investigations into the effects of microgravity on fluid shifts and potential impacts on astronaut vision (SANS).

Astronaut Experience and Personal Reflections

  • Dr. Mayer expresses the profound experiences and excitement garnered during her missions.

  • Reflections on the connection of personal and professional journeys and the significance of teamwork in scientific discovery.

  • Emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and research findings through various mediums, like virtual reality for wider public understanding.

Call for Questions and Closing Remarks

  • Encourages student engagement and discourse on lecture topics to bridge course materials with real-world applications.

  • Class concludes with emphasis on practical applications of physiology in space exploration and future research opportunities.