INTRODUCTION OF
Space biomed technologies LTD.
The space health technology market is rapidly growing due to increased space exploration and the recognition of astronauts' physiological challenges. Space Biomedtechnologies Ltd., a startup, aims to test a prototype of conductive fabric and a device for physiological measurements on the ISS. This initiative is part of a broader mission to revolutionize healthcare and space medicine beside advancements in neuromonitoring, medical robotics, and extended reality (XR).
Space Biomedtechnologies Ltd. focuses on monitoring and managing microgravity's effects, such as increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and space flight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), which impair neurocognitive performance. Instead of invasive ICP measurement, the company employs rheoencephalography (REG), a non-invasive method to study cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its autoregulation. They have developed a program to detect changes in REG pulse wave's second peak amplitude, tested reusable REG/bioimpedance electrodes, and created a practical, noninvasive measurement system for space research.
Established in 2024, the company leads in space health science, enhancing astronaut safety with novel biotechnological solutions. Recognizing the growing space tourism industry, Space Biomedtechnologies Ltd. ensures space travelers' safety through telemetry, telemedicine, and advanced technologies in surgical critical care and precision medicine for emergencies during space travel.
Microgravity increases ICP and causes SANS, damaging CBF autoregulation and leading to neurocognitive impairments. REG studies have shown alterations in pulse wave morphology identical to ICP changes, reflecting decreased intracranial compliance. The company’s innovations make REG measurement practical and noninvasive, with applications in space and beyond, including military aviation and neurocritical care. This device offers lifesaving, noninvasive vital sign monitoring with minimal modifications.
THE pROJECT
ZVTK Project:
Conductive fabric and a device for physiological measurements on ISS
The market for space health technologies is a potential and rapidly emerging market, driven by the increasing interest in space exploration and the growing recognition of the physiological challenges faced by astronauts. As space agencies and private spaceflight companies expand their presence in space, the demand for innovative health monitoring solutions is expected to grow exponentially.
Space Biomedtachnologies Ltd. is being established as a startup with the primary purpose of testing the newly manufactured prototype of a “Conductive fabric and a device for physiological measurements on the International Space Station (ISS)”. This endeavor is in response to the imperative need to monitor and manage the effects of microgravity on astronauts, such as increased intracranial pressure and space flight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, causing orthostatic intolerance, headache, and impaired neurocognitive performance. Invasive ICP measurement is out of reality during spaceflight. Rheoencephalography (REG) is a non-invasive method to study CBF and its auto-regulation. We have demonstrated the correlation between the increase of REG pulse wave 2nd peak amplitude during the passive status of CBF auto-regulation and during head-down tilt tests. We created and tested a program capable of detecting such a type of change automatically. Additionally, we successfully tested dry, reusable, REG/bioimpedance electrodes for space research without alcohol rubbing.
Recognizing the limitations of current invasive methods, Space Biomedtechnologies Ltd. is stepping in to refine and innovate, adding essential advancements to the device post-testing. With its inception in 2024, the company is poised to lead in space health science, enhancing astronaut safety with novel biotechnological solutions designed for space's unique conditions. Space Biomedtechnologies Ltd.'s expertise in health science services is now channeled towards the specialized needs of space missions, as they thoroughly test and improve this vital technology for the health and safety of those in space exploration. Additionally, acknowledging the growing space tourism industry, Space Biomedtechnologies Ltd. is also dedicated to ensuring the safety of space travelers through the monitoring of potential health issues using telemetry and telemedicine. This approach not only supports astronaut health but also provides crucial safety measures for space tourists, incorporating advanced technologies in surgical critical care and precision medicine to address emergencies and healthcare needs during space travel.
It is known that microgravity increases intracranial pressure (ICP) and causes space flight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) [1] damages cerebral blood flow (CBF AR), causing orthostatic intolerance, headache, and impaired neurocognitive performance in astronauts. The most likely mechanisms of spaceflight-induced increased ICP include a cephalad shift of body fluids, venous outflow obstruction, blood-brain barrier breakdown, and disruption to CSF flow [2]. However, a CBF increase was reported, too [3]. Invasive ICP measurement is out of reality during spaceflight. Rheoencephalography (REG) is a non-invasive method to study CBF and its AR [4]. Russians used REG in the 1970s on Salyut 4 [5] but did not measure CBF AR nor change in REG pulse wave morphology [6]. Related CBF studies use Transcranial Doppler (TCD) which is used to determine CBF in the middle cerebral artery. However, CBF AR is a function of arterioles [7], and is not measured. A recent clinical study demonstrated that REG pulse wave morphology shows identical alteration as ICP by reflecting decreased intracranial compliance caused by ICP elevation, increasing the 2nd pulse peak [8, 6]. One of the accepted models to study the effect of microgravity is the head-down tilt (HDT) test ([9]. The most advanced CBF AR status calculation (PRx) is used in clinical practice with invasive measurements of ICP and arterial pressure with the ICM+ program [10]. A study documented a good correlation between PRx and REGx [11]. Invasive measurements of ICP on ISS and during space flights are out of reality. Our study with healthy human volunteers demonstrated that the dominant REG pulse wave morphological change was the 2nd peak (P2) amplitude increase or “shoulder formation” on the decreasing, (catacrotic) side of the REG pulse wave during the HDT position. The 2nd peak increased in 15 subjects (78 %); the “shoulder” formation on the catacrotic side was observed in 11 subjects (58%). With automated analysis REG P2 increase was significant for females (p=0.01) and significant for males (p=0.02). REGx in male and female group averages have similar trends during HDT: REGx decreased at the start of HDT, indicating the active status of CBF AR (Szabo et al, 2024).The morphological change of REG pulse wave during HDT position was identical to ICP waveform change during increased ICP, reflecting decreased intracranial compliance. We demonstrated previously the correlation between the increase of REG pulse wave 2nd peak amplitude during the passive status of CBF AR [6] and here during HDT. We created and tested a program capable of detecting such a type of change automatically (Szabo et al, 2023). Additionally, we successfully tested dry, reusable, REG/bioimpedance electrodes for space research without alcohol rubbing [12-14]. These electrodes can be held by head and armbands. REG measurement 1) can be done before or immediately after OCT and fundoscopy measurements to describe the cerebrovascular aspect of SANS; 2) REG can quantify the accelerated cerebrovascular aging during space travel; 3) The use of a miniaturized REG device (with modules of the DataLyser program - DL) on ISS is a cheap and practical, noninvasive measuring possibility. A review of REG studies will be published (Chang et al, 2024). Future correlation studies between ICP and REG can justify using REG in military aviation, space medicine, and neurocritical care. It should also be noted that this device directly offers a lifesaving - noninvasive vital sign monitoring opportunity with minimal modifications.”
Michael Bodo MD, PhD
Research Director
THE TEAM
Alexander Szabo MD, PhD
Head of Testing and Lead Medical Officer at the Test Center
John Kokavecz PhD
Head of Hardware Development and Manufacturing
Thomas Nepusz PhD
Head of Software Engineering and Development,
Space Engineer
Silvia Kora
CEO, Space Biotechnologist,
Space Specialist in Life Sciences
Prof. Dr. Michael Bodo MD, PhD. (Research Director) is a well-published expert in REG studies. His PhD dissertation involved several neuromonitoring methods, as well as REG and its data processing. His Cerberus system for primary stroke prevention was the only awardee of the French Minister of Scientific Research at Concourse Lepine (Patent and Innovation Expo, Paris, 1993; Bodo et al, 1995 and 1996). His work was cited in the 2009 book (Rubin et al, 2009).He was asked to write the REG chapter in a bioimpedance book (Anonymous 2008) as well as to write REG review articles in the Journal of Bioelectric Impedance (Bodo, 2010), and DRC Sustainable Future: Journal of Environment, Agriculture, and Energy (Bodo, 2020). He was hired by the US Army (Walter Reed Army Institute of Research – WRAIR - Silver Spring, MD) to put a non-invasive brain monitor module into the LSTAT. He was the PI of REG-related studies at WRAIR, in a US Army Medical Command Combat Casualty Care Research Project (D43_0025_2005_WRAIR and D43_ 0001_2008_WRAIR; 2005-2010). He performed several REG validation studies, see publications.An important milestone was when he proved an identical lower limit of CBF AR measured with PRx and REGx by using the ICM+ program (Brady et al, 2010). BRAC terminated his department at WRAIR, but he continued REG-related work at NMRC and USUHS, later in New Orleans, LA. The consequence was that 1) In neurocritical care patients, he was able to record that REGx change coincided with REG pulse wave morphology changes, identical to ICP pulse wave morphology alteration during ICP elevation (Brazil, 2022; Cannizzaro et al., 2023). 2) His study demonstrated identical REG pulse wave morphology change (P2 increase) in healthy humans during increased ICP while in a head-down tilt position (Szabo et al, 2024). 3) A SW (DataLyser) was created by his suggestion to visualize, record, and process physiological signals. It involves the calculation of PRx/REGx. They tested a MATLAB script, for the automatic calculation of the P2 increase of ICP or REG pulse waves (Szabo et al, 2024). A list of published work is available in DTIC, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, PubMed He has 22 book chapters, 65 juried, or referred journal articles, and published 165 abstracts, presentations, and reports. **Number of Patents: Medical electronics (5); Pharmaceutical (27); ***Copyrights (4)
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6046-1154
Michael Bodo MD, PhD
Research Director
contact
michael@biomedtech.space
Dr. Alexander Szabó MD, PhD. (Head of Testing and Lead Medical Officer at the Test Center) a seasoned medical professional specializing in aviation and space medicine, began his distinguished career after graduating from the University of Medicine in Debrecen in 1987. He later honed his expertise by obtaining a Diploma in Aviation Medicine from King’s College London in 1999, where he was also awarded the Barbara Harrison Memorial Prize by British Airways for his outstanding performance. Currently, Dr. Szabó is the director of the EASA-accredited Aeromedical Center AeMC 002 in Kecskemét, Hungary, and holds the position of Chief Flight Surgeon of the Hungarian Defence Forces since 2015. He serves as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Aviation and Space Medicine at the Medical University of Szeged, providing education in aviation medicine to both graduate and postgraduate students. His research focuses on aviation physiology and cardiovascular aptitude tests, significantly contributing to aeromedical safety and health standards. Dr. Szabó is also a key Hungarian representative in the NATO Aeromedical Working Group and recently completed the ESA Space Physician Training Course, further broadening his expertise in space medicine.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1362-4723 https://m2.mtmt.hu/gui2/?type=authors&mode=browse&sel=authors10022416
Alexander Szabo MD, PhD
Head of Testing and Lead Medical Officier at the Test Center
contact
alex@biomedtech.space
John Kokavecz PhD
Head of Hardware Development and Manufacturing
Dr. John Kokavecz PhD (Head of Hardware Development and Manufacturing) It provides custom-designed instrumentation solutions and assistance in R&D projects for both industrial and academic partners worldwide. Leveraging its experience and expertise in electrical, optical, and software engineering, HInstra offers a flexible and cost-effective service profile while maintaining quality and professionalism. The market trend tends to favor instruments produced in high volumes, which often do not fully meet the special requirements of individual projects. Moreover, these instruments tend to remain on the market for about a decade, despite rapid technical evolution. Such mass-produced instruments may impede the success of an entire project, risking significant investment and effort. HInstra's goal is to supply devices that are perfectly tailored to their customers' requirements, accompanied by extensive technical support, to ensure success in their groundbreaking experiments. https://www.hinstra.com/
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3272201 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19710-z
contact
john@biomedtech.space
Thomas Nepusz PhD
Head of Software Engineering and Development, Space Engineer
Dr. Thomas Nepusz PhD (Head of Software Engineering and Development) is a senior software engineer with more than 20 years of experience in software design from low-level microcontrollers to advanced AI algorithms. He received his PhD degree in computer science (artificial intelligence and data mining) in 2008 from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and spent three years as a postdoctoral fellow in bioinformatics at the Royal Holloway, University of London. He was one of the members of the team that built the world’s first decentralized autonomous multi-copter flock [1]. He is currently a freelance software engineer and CIO and lead software engineer of CollMot Robotics, a Hungarian start-up specialized in autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles. [1]: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/a-bird-like-flock-of-autonomous-drones
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wdyXgdEAAAAJ&hl=en
contact
thomas@biomedtech.space
Silvia Kóra
CEO, Space Biotechnologist,
Space Specialist in Life Sciences
Silvia Kóra (CEO, Space Biotechnologist)
Silvia Kóra is a PhD candidate at the University of Pécs, focusing on the application of virtual reality, robotics, and modern technological research in medicine. She is a complex rehabilitation specialist and a space biotechnologist. Her scholarly contributions include two critical dissertaries: "Complex Rehabilitation of Astronauts after Microgravity Exposure," which explores sophisticated rehabilitation methods for astronauts post-space missions, and "Emergency Stressors of Spaceflight: Hypoxia and Hypocapnia," subtitled "Potential Dangers of Hypercapnia for Astronauts: Space Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome," addressing significant health risks in space travel.Kóra’s expertise is instrumental in advancing the integration of innovative technology with medical therapies to enhance astronaut safety and health in space environments.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1787-3711 , https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13030044
contact
silvia@biomedtech.space
Contact
Phone
+36 20 480 4868
Email
zvtk@biomedtech.space
