Daniel J Rea, Rachael S Miller, Brian E Crucian, Russell W Valentine, Samantha Cristoforetti, Samuel B Bearg, Zlatko Sipic, Jamie Cheng, Rebecca Yu, Kimesha M Calaway, Dexter Eames, Emily S Nelson, Beth E Lewandowski, Gail P Perusek, Eugene Y Chan
Real-time lab analysis is needed to support clinical decision making and research on human missions to the Moon and Mars. Powerful laboratory instruments, such as flow cytometers, are generally too cumbersome for spaceflight. Here, we show that scant test samples can be measured in microgravity, by a trained astronaut, using a miniature cytometry-based analyzer, the rHEALTH ONE, modified specifically for spaceflight. The base device addresses critical spaceflight requirements including minimal resource utilization and alignment-free optics for surviving rocket launch...
March 25, 2024: Nature Communications