Biomedical Research 



explained by spacecraft hyperoxia. Increases in red cell destruction were not 

 reported, and the downward trend of decreased erythropoietin levels studied in a 

 few astronauts was not statistically significant (6). However, the expansion of 

 plasma volume with saline and the use of antiemetic drugs confound the 

 interpretation of the most recent results. No changes in immunoglobulin levels 

 were reported in astronauts during Skylab; an impaired mitogenic response of 

 lymphocytes to lectins has been reported (6). 



These preliminary findings of anemia and decreased immune responsiveness 

 following exposure to microgravity need verification. Pending the substantiation of 

 these reports, the salient questions include: What is the etiology of anemia that 

 has been associated with space flight? Are the preliminary findings of altered 

 mitogenic responses of lymphocytes in microgravity clinically significant? 



Logistic and Policy Issues 



Having identified many of the major questions in biomedical research for a 

 successful space program, we must determine the most effective methods of 

 answering these questions. Many of the logistical and policy issues discussed 

 below are not unique to biomedical research within the Life Sciences Division. 

 These problem areas have been identified by the NASA Long Range Planning 

 Committee for the Life Sciences, and they warrant special emphasis. 



NASA Goals for Biomedical Research 



Research priorities in the biomedical sciences cannot be based on the long-term 

 goals of NASA, in large part because of the real or perceived lack of definition in 

 these goals. Without a clearly defined national space goal, it is difficult to have an 

 operational objective. A number of other reasons account for the uncertainty of 

 research priorities at the Agency. Biomedical research at NASA is not a separate 

 line item, and it is subject to variations in funding within the different offices. 

 Funding of particular projects may also be subject to competition between the 

 Centers and Headquarters. 



Agency Problems in Attracting Quality 

 Biomedical Researchers 



The number of full-time employees in Life Sciences at NASA represents too small 

 a percentage of the total number of Agency employees. Clearly, NASA has an 

 insufficient number of top-level biomedical researchers. The reasons for this lack of 

 manpower include the following: uncertainty exists concerning the importance of 

 biomedical research at NASA; the time between award of grant and conduct of 

 the experiment in space is too long, sometimes extending to 10 years and more; 

 the paucity of data collected from space missions makes results difficult to 

 interpret and publish in peer-reviewed literature; the thrust of NASA research 

 seems operational in nature; opportunities are limited for interface with members 

 of the scientific community external to NASA; the visibility of biomedical research 

 at NASA is limited in the universities and industry because of a small extramural 

 grant program; there is no effective way for senior NASA bioscientists to achieve 

 the status of university-tenured faculty; it is difficult for individuals external to 



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