HOUSTON, July 31, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) is soliciting for ground-based and analog definition research proposals to develop safe and effective countermeasures and technologies that will reduce the significant biomedical risks associated with human space travel. These discoveries will not only enable safe and productive human spaceflight, but will also have the potential to improve life on Earth. The Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) announcement entitled "Research and Technology Development to Support Crew Health and Performance in Space Exploration Missions" was released jointly with NASA's Human Research Program on July 31, 2015.

National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) logo.

NSBRI is soliciting for research proposals of one year in duration to strengthen the project portfolios of its Human Factors and Performance, Musculoskeletal Alterations, Neurobehavioral and Psychosocial Factors, Radiation Effects, and Smart Medical Systems & Technology research teams. Research topics include testing potential countermeasures to mitigate the effects of ionizing radiation, which is the number one risk to astronaut health during future long duration exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. The specific research topics are:

Human Factors and Performance

  • Operationalize Customized Refresher and Just-In-Time Training Products for Deep Space, Long Duration Spaceflight Crews

Musculoskeletal Alterations

  • Customize, Refine, and Test Existing Exercise Software Product(s) to Optimize Astronaut Motivation for Exercise During Deep Space Exploration Missions

Neurobehavioral and Psychosocial Factors

  • Integrate Multiple Unobtrusive Technologies to Increase the Sensitivity and Specificity of Monitoring Psychosocial Well-Being and Alertness Levels in Astronaut-Like Subjects

Radiation Effects

  • Protect Healthy-Tissues from Ionizing Radiation by Accelerating the Testing of Potential Countermeasures in Human Clinical Research Trials

Smart Medical Systems and Technology

  • Employing a Suitable Ground Analog Environment, Develop and Test an Ultrasound Phantom or Surrogate Testing Capabilities to Enhance the Utility of Therapeutic Ultrasound

This NSBRI research announcement (NRA) may be viewed at http://www.nsbri.org under the Funding Opportunities menu, within the Current Announcements section. The NRA is also available via the NASA Research Opportunities homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com by navigating through the menu listings "Solicitations" to "Open Solicitations." On the Open Solicitations page, researchers should select "NNJ15ZSA001N" from the list of solicitations and then choose "Appendix B."

Proposals solicited in response to this NSBRI research announcement will follow a two-step review process. Only Step-1 proposers determined to have proposed work that is relevant to the specific topics solicited by this research announcement will be invited to submit full Step-2 proposals. Step-1 proposals are due on September 4, 2015, and invited Step-2 proposals are due on November 23, 2015. Participation is open to all categories of U.S. based organizations, including educational institutions, industry, non-profit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies. Both Step-1 and Step-2 proposals must be submitted electronically via NSPIRES.

About NSBRI
The National Space Biomedical Research Institute, NSBRI, is a 501(c)3 organization funded by NASA. Its mission is to lead a national program to mitigate the health risks related to human spaceflight and to apply the discoveries to improve life on Earth. Annually, the Institute's science, technology and education projects take place at approximately 60 institutions and companies across the United States.

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SOURCE National Space Biomedical Research Institute

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