{"id":10897,"date":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2001-02-20T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nsbri.org\/2010\/11\/space-research-institute-increases-scope\/"},"modified":"2015-11-20T07:26:33","modified_gmt":"2015-11-20T07:26:33","slug":"space-research-institute-increases-scope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/nsbri.org\/2001\/02\/space-research-institute-increases-scope\/","title":{"rendered":"Space research institute increases scope"},"content":{"rendered":"

HOUSTON – The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) is increasing its scope by funding 88 research projects in 22 states and adding four new research areas. <\/p>\n

"With these projects, the Institute can better explore the health-related problems associated with long-duration human space flight," said Dr. Bobby R. Alford, NSBRI chairman of the board and CEO. "There are many physical and psychological challenges that must be addressed before women and men can explore safely our solar system." <\/p>\n

The NSBRI was established in 1997 through a NASA competition to create a consortium of leading research institutions working toward the goal of reducing health concerns related to exploration missions. Twelve institutions comprise the NSBRI consortium and are responsible for its program development. The 88 projects, funded for one- to three-year periods, will be carried out at 75 institutions involving 269 researchers in 22 states. Selected from a group of 281 research proposals, each project underwent rigorous independent peer review by a panel of scientists not affiliated with the Institute. <\/p>\n

These new projects mark the first time the NSBRI has selected its projects through an open, competitive solicitation process. Approximately one-half of the projects are slated for universities and laboratories outside the consortium. <\/p>\n

All projects address key issues related to human health in space and are carried out by integrated theme-based teams of scientists. Many of the health issues will be faced by International Space Station crews and will pose an even greater threat to crews exploring other planets. <\/p>\n

By adding four new teams, the NSBRI now focuses on 12 research areas. The new areas — nutrition, physical fitness and rehabilitation; neurobehavioral and psychosocial factors; integrated human function; and smart medical systems — will allow more complete coverage of health issues related to two-to-three year exploration missions. Research issues for the new teams include: <\/p>\n