Since 1969, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), a private, nonprofit corporation, has worked closely with NASA. USRA's Division of Space Biomedicine was founded in 1983 to address the biomedical issues faced by humans in space. Harrison Schmitt, lunar module pilot of Apollo 17, was named as the first Director of the Division. In late 1990, the Division was renamed the Division of Space Life Sciences (DSLS) reflecting a broader charter: "to stimulate, encourage, and assist research in the NASA life sciences." This charter continues today and is encapsulated within three broad programs: the Science Program, the Extramural Support Program and the Education Program.
Scientist of the Month
May
Dr. Virginia Wotring's poster, Changes in Liver Metabolic Gene Expression after Radiation Exposure was presented at the Experimental Biology Meeting held in San Diego, California in April 2012.
Although this was a preliminary study, it seems likely that radiation exposure triggers a variety of homeostatic mechanisms, which could include alterations of gene expression. Better understanding of these pathways could aid in development of new countermeasures to ameliorate or prevent radiation-induced damage to cells and tissues.
Previously Featured Posters
April
Dr. Ianik Plante's poster, New modeling approaches to investigate cell signaling in radiation response was presented at the 14th International Congress of Radiation Research in Warsaw, Poland, August 28–September 1, 2011
Following radiation exposure, a flow of information is exchanged between cells in tissues, and cells not directly hit are also affected. These so-called non-targeted effects (NTE) may have important consequences. Therefore, several elements should be included in irradiated tissue models. (see poster for more)
March
Dr. Susana Zanello's poster Contribution of Spaceflight Environmental Factors to Vision Risks was presented at the NASA Human Research Program Investigators Workshop, February 2012, in Houston, Texas.
The poster presents an overview of current studies on the effects of various environmental factors present during space exploration missions on ocular health.
Multimedia Highlights
Upcoming Events
Aerospace Medicine Grand Rounds
May 22, 2012
VIIP Risk
Christian Otto, M.D.
Universities Space Research Association
Division of Space Life Sciences
Houston, Texas
June 26, 2012
The Impact of Exponential and Disruptive Technologies in Aerospace Medicine
Melchor J. Antuñano, M.D., M.S.
Director, Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Federal Aviation Administration
Oklahoma City, OK
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the Division of Space Life Sciences (DSLS) at USRA Houston. As part of a non-profit entity, DSLS has the mission to support NASA and other Federal entities by conducting and managing research that addresses the risks to humans before, during, and after space exploration. DSLS provides high profile scientists, physicians, collaborators, and science managers to the NASA Space Life Sciences Directorate and the Human Research Program (HRP). Additionally, DSLS conducts and hosts major science meetings, seminars, and workshops. The full-time scientist team is made up of 36 scientists from many disciplines within life sciences. DSLS provides an excellent working environment for collegial intellectual exchange.
Research Projects
Space Radiation Program
The goal of the NASA space Radiation Program is to ensure that crews can safely live and work in the space radiation environment.
The Ocean - Research Analog for Space
NASA uses the "Aquarius" undersea habitat as a research analog for space missions to develop concepts for long-term space habitation.
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Vitamin D Requirements for People on Earth
In late 2010, the Institute of Medicine released new evidence-based guidelines for recommended intake levels of vitamin D.
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Medicine in space - and other remote environments
Space travel is inherently dangerous – it can entail all kinds of medical hazards.
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Ready for extravehicular exploration?
Changes in sensorimotor function during spaceflight are most pronounced immediately following g-transitions.
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Exercise Physiology and Countermeasure Project and Flight Analogs Project
The Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures Project and the Flight Analogs Project, both led by USRA scientists.
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Effects of Radiation on Carcinogenesis
The risk of radiation carcinogenesis from manned spaceflight is high, particularly for epithelial cancers of the lung, breast, esophagus, stomach, colon, and bladder.
USRA Announces the Winner of the New Investigator Award
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