With a view to basing space research on robust scientific findings, developing links between space and health, opening up space research to a broad community of healthcare professionals and thus helping to generate benefits for space research, MEDES is taking a leading role in space and clinical research activities as a result of the creation of a clinical research centre: the Space Clinic.
A research clinic for spaceResearch experiments in space are often preceded by preparatory experiments on the ground. For this purpose, MEDES writes experimental protocols for space research, and carries out studies simulating the effects of microgravity, isolation, confinement, sleep, circadian rhythms, etc.
MEDES has acquired specialist expertise in the application of a microgravity simulation model, anti-orthostatic bed-rest, in order to develop methods for mitigating the effects of the space environment (countermeasures).
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| Clinical research for healthThe expertise acquired in space medicine also leads MEDES to undertake studies regarding more traditional health concerns.
For example, in cooperation with the Toulouse Centre for Clinical Investigation and together with the competent units of the Toulouse University Hospital, the Space Clinic offers its services to the members of the MEDES Economic Interest Group, other university hospitals, research organisations and industry. These studies may investigate the physiological effects of physical inactivity, the effects of medication on vigilance, sleep, or pharmacokinetics, or may test new medical devices.
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