Space and Life: An Introduction to Space Biology and Medicine / Edition 1

by Hubert Planel

Overview

Since our first manned space flights we have learned much about how the human body adapts to the space environment and in particular, to the absence of gravity. Today, space research provides a better understanding of our physiological response mechanisms to microgravity.

Space and Life: An Introduction to Space Biology and Medicine describes the results of space research in the context of core concepts in human physiology to depict the effects of both long-term and short-term absence of gravity on the human body. The book explains the scientific basis for the physiological reactions so common to astronauts who experience zero gravity, such as bone calcium loss, puffy faces, and nausea. It includes discussions of cosmic rays, cells, plants, embryonic development, and the origins of life on Earth from a space research standpoint.

Updating the current knowledge about how the human body adapts to the space environment and the absence of gravity, this book is ideal for space research scientists, physiologists, NASA employees, and students involved in space study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415317597
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/27/2004
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Manned and Unmanned Missions. Manned Space Flights. An Extreme Environment. Gravity and Weightlessness. Physiological and Biological Effects of Weightlessness in Humans and Animals: The Cardiovascular Sysytem. The Skeletal System and Weightlessness. The Muscular System. The Vestibular Apparatus and Balance System. The Other Effects of Gravity and Weightlessness. Space Cell Biology. The Effects of Gravity and Weightlessness on Plants. Developmental Biology. Cosmic Radiation. Extraterrestrial Life.