IT House reported on December 13 that becoming an astronaut requires perfect 20/20 vision, but unfortunately, the effects of space can cause astronauts to lose their vision when they return to Earth. Recently, researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed a sleeping bag that can effectively prevent or reduce these problems.
More than half of NASA astronauts who have been on the International Space Station for more than 6 months have some degree of vision problems. In one case, astronaut John Phillips stayed on the International Space Station for six months in 2005, dropping his vision from 20/20 to 20/100, according to the BBC.
Fluids tend to accumulate in the head when people sleep, and on Earth, the gravity of waking up pulls them back to the body parts. However, in low-gravity space, more than half a gallon of fluid collects on the head, putting pressure on the eyeballs, causing the eyeballs to flatten, leading to visual impairment, a condition known as spaceflight-associated neuro-eye syndrome, or SANS.
To combat SANS, the researchers worked with outdoor gear manufacturer REI to develop a waist-to-waist sleeping bag that surrounds the lower body. Then start a vacuum cleaner-like suction device that sucks the liquid towards the feet to prevent it from accumulating in the head.
IT House learned that about a dozen people volunteered to test the technology, and the results showed to be valid. The researchers hope to carry the sleeping bag on NASA's trip to Mars to solve the SANS problem. Dr Levine said in a statement: "This is probably one of the most critical medical issues discovered in the space programme over the past decade. ”