Over 4000 exhibitors from 67 nations will showcase state-of-art products in the fields of medical technology, diagnostics, analytics and therapy. The variety of products exhibited ranges from biochips for fast classification of tumors to micro-systems for analytics, to newly developed tomographs, telemedicine and laser-technology - a perfect environment for ESA to show to a specialised audience the vast range of possibilities which space research offers to the health sector. Space medicine is not limited to monitoring the health of astronauts, indeed; it is meant to help people on Earth too. Space medicine research has a lot to offer, especially for elderly people. Many conditions experienced by the elderly like for instance osteoporosis, or problems with the circulatory and vestibulary system also affect astronauts after a longer period in space.

Medical research on ISS

The International Space Station (ISS), which operates at an altitude of 400 km above the Earth, is the ideal place for research, as well as for the testing of new instruments and methods in weightlessness. For instance, the bone loss experienced by astronauts is intensely researched on ISS. Over the years, researchers and medical doctors at ESA have developed many innovative methods, instruments and technologies to deal with the adverse effects of weightlessness and to monitor astronauts' bodies as they live and work in space. Products that use results from ESA 's research are already available in Europe, for the health and well-being of the population, and will be showcased at MEDICA 2004.

However, the ISS is far more than a laboratory in space. The Station not only provides a great opportunity to conduct scientific experiments that
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Contact: Giovanna Bertoli
media@esa.int
31-71-565-6141
European Space Agency
24-Nov-2004