from the first-there-was-Tang-then-there-was-nanomedicine dept.
Gina Miller writes "Sally Pobojewski of the University of Michigan Health System reports U-M scientists to develop nanosensors for astronauts 7/9/02. Quote: 'Along with space suits, freeze-dried food and barf bags, tomorrow's astronauts may travel with nanomolecular devices inside their white blood cells to detect early signs of damage from dangerous radiation or infection. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is investing $2 million to develop this 'Star Trek' technology at the University of Michigan Medical School's Center for Biologic Nanotechnology. The three-year research grant is the largest the Medical School has ever received from NASA, according to James R. Baker, Jr., M.D., who will direct the project' The goal is to monitor infections and the radiation that provokes illness in the astronauts during space travel with devices that could be administered through the skin. UM researchers are also developing nanosensors to detect pre-malignant and cancerous cellular changes in the body funded as ongoing nanotech research by the National Cancer Institute."
On the same topic, Saturngraphix writes "The contemplation of cell monitering for astronauts has been discussed. A rather token 2 million has been set aside for nanosensors (actually, its quite a large sum for the grant but small in the overall picture). The purpose is mainly to track radiation exposure in the astronaut. Here is the link
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/07/02071 1080818.htm
Cheers"
