Science

NASA, ESA to offer Volunteers 13 Lakhs Rupees to Lie in Bed for 60 Days

Published

5 years ago

April 2, 2019

BERLIN – In a statement released by German Aerospace Center (DLR), it has been officially announced that the collaboration of NASA and ESA would offer volunteers 13 Lakhs Rupees for 60 days bed rest. The decision was made after post it was decided that NASA and ESA would study the impact of weightlessness on the human body. German Aerospace Center said that the key findings from the project will be effective to implement countermeasures against bone and muscle atrophy. This will be very useful for astronauts to live healthy for long periods in space, moon or mars. A total of 24 volunteers would take part in this project which will comprise 12 females and 12 males. The ultimate motive of this study is to acquire get maximum possible knowledge about human physiology by space researchers.

Muscle and Bone atrophy are common problems among scientists working in space under weightlessness condition. It affects old age researchers on a large scale. The most important factor which contributes to muscle and bone atrophy is the loss of muscle mass. As the mass of muscles reduces, the adverse effect of space conditions increases on both muscles as well as bones. This leads to serious impacts on the health of scientists working in space. And as volunteers are invited for studying the effect of weightlessness in simulated conditions, so it will be a golden opportunity for people to get rich by participating in this 60 days study. Medical students who choose the option of medical mission trips to contribute could take advantage of this experiment to earn a handsome sum of money in a limited period of time.

The study named Artificial Gravity Bed Rest Study (AGBRESA) will carry out the investigation of the use of artificial gravity to prevent the negative effects of weightlessness on a human body. This will be effective in finding solutions to the weightlessness problems of Astronauts which contributes to muscle and bone atrophy. AGBRESA study will last for three months and participants will lie in a short-arm centrifuge. And out of the total participants, two-thirds will rotate daily to analyze impact of weightlessness on their physiological structure.

DLR unveiled that there will be 12 females and 12 males who will be taking part in this experiment. As crewed spaceflights will be effective in carrying out the important experiments in Space under microgravity. However, it should be noted that there should be a higher level of safety for astronauts during space missions, said Hansjorg Dittus, DLR Executive Board Member for Space Research and Technology. Due to this bed rest study conducted by DLR, NASA, and ESA, the space researchers from Europe as well as the US will get an opportunity to work in collaboration with each other to find effective results from this study. Dittus said that the scientific knowledge collected about human physiology will be helpful to reduce the adverse effects of weightlessness on the health of astronauts.

During all the 89 days of the study, the participants will not be allowed to do any movements. This is required to ensure the reduction in the strain on muscles, tendons and the skeletal system. Also, the volunteers will remain in the same position during the pre-test and recovery phases. In fact, they will not only have to remain in a defined position during all the experiments but also all the meals, and other leisure pursuits will take place while lying down during the bed-rest phase. The conditions are created identical to that experienced by astronauts in space. In order to simulate the displacement of bodily fluids experienced by astronauts in a microgravity environment, the beds on which volunteers lie are angled downwards towards the head end by six degrees.

Leticia Vega, Associate Chief Scientist for International Collaboration for NASA’s Human Research Program has commented on this study. She said the entire environment has been created after taking into consideration the conditions of astronauts during space missions. And also, the effects have been introduced according to the experiences of astronauts in space. Further, she said that the effects of weightlessness have mainly investigated on the International Space Station to reach accurate results. However, this study has been introduced to help understand the certain subjects under controlled conditions on Earth so that it could be possible for us to validate the results with that generated on the ISS.

Jennifer Ngo-Anh, a team leader in Human and Robotic Exploration at ESA has also shared his views about this study. She said that although Artificial Gravity Bed Rest Study permits us to address the issue of muscular atrophy caused by weightlessness, still, we also need to take into consideration other important factors such as cosmic radiation, isolation, spatial restrictions and other important issues related to the subject

The research on human physiology under weightlessness or simulate conditions is not just valid on astronauts working in space but also it will be effective for people living in the terrestrial regions. This will help to generate results regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of people working in space or terrestrial environment. It is also one of the reasons simulated conditions have been chosen to relate the health effects in both spacial as well as the terrestrial environment.

Commenting on this subject, Jens Jordan, the director of the DLR Institute of Aerospace Medicine said that centrifuge has been used during a long-term bed-rest study to examine if artificial gravity could be used to prevent or counteract the physiological changes experienced by astronauts in a weightless environment.

Well, it is not the only study which has been taken into consideration to reduce the health problems of astronauts in space. There are plenty of other experiments that will be conducted to work on this issue. Apart from studying the impacts of weightlessness on muscle or bone atrophy, other health issues will also be studied. Some of the other areas which will be included in further studies include cardiovascular function, balance and muscle strength. Apart from this, muscle tissue biopsies, microdialysis, measurement of electrical muscle activity and regular blood sampling will also be focussed.

Science

Advances in Forensic Science: Innovations Shaping Criminal Investigations

Published

9 months ago

July 19, 2023

Jonathan Grilli

Forensic science is one of the core foundations of our justice system, providing essential tools to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. With sophisticated techniques, forensic science deciphers hidden clues, interprets complex data, and illuminates connections that can lead to decisive conclusions.

In the current era, innovation fuels this discipline, sparking new methodologies that significantly boost crime detection capabilities. As we witness an accelerating pace of progress, it’s evident that the field of forensic science is not just adapting but indeed evolving, reinforcing its integral role in delivering justice.

Novel Fingerprint Analysis Techniques

Fingerprint analysis, a time-honored method in forensic science, is experiencing a wave of innovation. The advent of advanced technologies has caused a paradigm shift in approaching this age-old technique. It’s not just about matching patterns; fingerprints can reveal new information.

With new tools, forensic scientists can glean insights into the suspect’s lifestyle habits and substance use far beyond identity confirmation. This uncharted territory offers a wealth of additional clues for investigators.

Breakthroughs in DNA Analysis

Delving into DNA analysis, how significantly it has propelled forensic science forward is evident. Next Generation Sequencing, a technique that reads DNA at unprecedented speed and efficiency, has become a critical tool in the forensic arsenal.

Forensic scientists can now dissect even the most challenging DNA samples compromised by time, decay, or environmental factors. Imagine a years-old case, untouched, unsolved, its clues weathered away. DNA analysis shines here, extracting useful information from nearly invisible or degraded samples.

Amid this scientific evolution, professionals with a degree in forensic science are emerging as critical players. Armed with a rigorous academic foundation, they apply these groundbreaking DNA techniques to unsolved cases, unraveling mysteries that once seemed impossible.

Their contributions continue to shape how we understand and utilize DNA analysis in forensic science, giving fresh momentum to criminal investigations.

The Rise of Digital Forensics

Though offering immense convenience, the digital world has opened doors to a new breed of crime – cybercrime. The frequency and complexity of such offenses have created an urgent need for robust and adept digital forensics.

This specialty focuses on the meticulous extraction and evaluation of digital information for use in legal proceedings. Forensic experts dig deep into the digital abyss, unraveling complex webs of information. They retrieve hidden or deleted data, analyze network communications, and trace digital footprints to unmask the perpetrators.

The task isn’t easy. Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, employing new techniques to cloak their illicit activities. But the field of digital forensics is keeping pace. As technologies evolve, so does the art of digital forensics, growing more effective and nuanced in its approach.

Progress in Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology revolves around the study of human skeletal remains, unraveling clues about the deceased. Over time, this field has witnessed dramatic progress, which has enhanced its capabilities and precision.

Today, cutting-edge imaging technologies, such as 3D scanning, have come into play. These offer detailed visualizations of skeletal structures, yielding valuable insights. Advanced statistical techniques have opened up new opportunities to complement these technologies.

Now, with more certainty than ever, we can determine the age, sex, and potential cause of death from skeletal remains. The human body, even in death, tells a tale. It leaves behind an imprint that forensic anthropologists skillfully interpret. This amalgamation of technology and statistics is transforming crime-solving efforts.

Advances in Ballistics Examination

Ballistics examination, integral to many criminal investigations, involves the analysis of bullets and casings to help piece together the narrative of a crime. The recent influx of advanced technologies, like 3D imaging and automated comparison systems, is transforming this domain.

3D imaging, for instance, captures microscopic details of bullets and casings, revealing intricate patterns that were previously hard to decipher. These details can unlock vital clues in criminal investigations, from linking a bullet to its firearm to retracing the trajectory of a shot.

Meanwhile, automated comparison systems expedite the matching process, swiftly scanning databases to find potential matches. With these advancements, ballistics examination is becoming increasingly precise, which amplifies the reliability of its evidence.

Cutting-edge Forensic Toxicology

Forensic toxicology operates at the intersection of law and medicine, detecting and identifying drugs or toxins in the human body. As a pillar of forensic science, its advancements directly impact the field.

The proliferation of new laboratory equipment has catapulted the capabilities of forensic toxicology. For instance, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, a technique of impressive sensitivity, has revolutionized substance detection. It can discern incredibly small quantities of substances, transforming droplets of evidence into torrents of insight.

Whether the case involves alleged poisoning or substance misuse, this technique has proven invaluable. These technological breakthroughs are vital contributors to the integrity of evidence presented in legal proceedings.

Microbial Forensics: A New Dawn

Microbial forensics is a relatively nascent discipline that has already sparked much interest and anticipation. This field focuses on investigating the microbiome, a rich community of microbes.

Each individual and location has a unique microbial signature. By studying these signatures, forensic scientists can glean unexpected yet vital insights. The microbes may reveal the identity of a suspect, track a person’s movements, or even provide clues to the cause of death.

The potential of microbial forensics is immense. It’s like a new language that, when decoded, can unveil secrets invisible to the naked eye.

Evolving Legal Implications and Ethical Considerations

As forensic science advances at an impressive pace, it brings along a ripple effect of evolving legal implications and ethical considerations. Legal bodies and ethicists are navigating uncharted waters to address these emerging challenges.

Privacy concerns sit atop the list of issues. Forensic science can now extract personal information from pieces of evidence that, while valuable for investigations, raises questions about data privacy. The potential for misinterpretation of complex scientific evidence is another concern. While offering detailed insights, advanced techniques require specialized knowledge for correct interpretation, highlighting the need for expert witnesses in courtrooms.

Moreover, using probabilistic genotyping algorithms in DNA analysis has sparked debates. These algorithms can help solve cases, but there are concerns over their accuracy and the transparency of their methodology.

Conclusion

Forensic science stands on the brink of a revolutionary era. Rapid advancements in DNA analysis, digital forensics, forensic anthropology, and other domains alter the crime-solving landscape. These innovations, driven by those with a degree in forensic science, enable more accurate, effective investigations.

Yet, they also demand fresh legal and ethical considerations. As we march forward, we must ensure these breakthroughs are leveraged responsibly, optimizing their potential while safeguarding individual rights. The future of criminal investigation hinges on this delicate balance.