How NASA Uses 'Organ Chips' to Study Health in Space

To prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars, NASA is utilizing innovative "organ chips."

locationMoon

locationMars

orgNASA

techorgan chip

By simulating the functions of organs like the heart or lungs, these chips allow scientists to study how spaceflight affects the human body.

conceptspaceflight

Through the AVATAR program, researchers use stem cells from astronauts to create a "biological avatar" that experiences space conditions in real time.

eventAVATAR

This technology offers several benefits, including personalized medicine, as chips tailored to specific individuals help predict how they might react to deep-space travel.

conceptpersonalized medicine

Additionally, these experiments provide insights into aging and immune dysfunction much faster than studies conducted on Earth.

locationEarth

By collaborating with partners like Harvard’s Wyss Institute and the NIH, NASA is ensuring that the discoveries made in orbit continue to improve health care for everyone here on our home planet.

orgHarvard’s Wyss Institute

orgNIH

orgNASA

🎉

End of article

You read 6 focus sentences.

Challenge Mode

Comprehension Questions

What are 'organ chips' in the context of NASA's research?

Microfluidic devices lined with human cells that simulate organ functions.

Robotic devices designed to repair spacecraft hulls.

Storage modules used for keeping astronaut meals at stable temperatures.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Microfluidic devices lined with human cells that simulate organ functions.

What is the primary purpose of the AVATAR experiment?

To create digital simulations of astronauts' personalities for psychological study.

To test how an individual astronaut's tissues respond to space conditions using their own stem cells.

To train artificial intelligence systems to pilot space vehicles.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

To test how an individual astronaut's tissues respond to space conditions using their own stem cells.

Why are organ chips considered more efficient than Earth-based research?

They allow for unlimited storage of medical waste in space.

They can accelerate the observation of biological processes like aging and bone loss.

They eliminate the need for any further medical testing on Earth.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

They can accelerate the observation of biological processes like aging and bone loss.

How do these chips contribute to the field of medicine on Earth?

By eliminating the need for pharmaceutical drugs entirely.

By replacing human surgery with space-based robotic procedures.

They provide better models than animal studies for testing new drugs and treating diseases.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

They provide better models than animal studies for testing new drugs and treating diseases.

Who provides the necessary hardware to keep these cell cultures alive during flight?

Commercial aerospace companies focused only on tourist travel.

Local universities specializing in ancient history.

Partners like Space Tango who provide specialized support infrastructure.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Partners like Space Tango who provide specialized support infrastructure.

Learn faster with Ringoo apps

Trace your learning progress and get real-time feedback with interactive exercises.

App Store Google Play