| Title: | Science fiction to science fact: : a modern review of medical devices from star trek |
| Authors: | Erika L. Crowley, Author |
| Material Type: | ISU Individual Project |
| Publisher: | Illkirch-Graffenstaden (France) : International Space University, 2020 |
| Size: | 1 electronic resource (x, 62 p.) / col. ill. |
| Bibliography note: | Includes bibliographical references and appendix |
| Languages: | English |
| Subjects: | Medical aspect ; Medical fiction ; Science fiction |
| Description: | iiiAbstractSpace medicine is becoming an increasingly relevant field of study due to the growing demand for longer-duration spaceflights, and medical devices could be instrumental inimproving the overall health and wellness of astronauts during these flights. Science fiction, as a form of science communication, can motivate the general public to develop an interest inspaceand inspire scientists and engineers to innovatemedical devices. Star Trekis a popular American media franchise with many film and television installments that all incorporate the use of medical devicesto support crew health and wellnesson theirspaceadventures. In thisstudy, weevaluated fictional future medical technologies from Star Trekfor potential development now. TheStar Trekfranchise fan webpagescontained many technologies thatwescreened, characterized,and analyzed these withrespect tomedical applicationand feasibility. We focused on the fictional genetronic replicator, which uses genetic information as instructions for the generation of a new and healthy organ ex vivo,because there is currently an extreme shortage of donor organs that limits organ donationglobally. While the development of the genetronic replicator could be viable because of recent advancesin three-dimensional organ printing on Earth and inspace, the field is new,and there are significant testing andvalidation as well as market, economic, legal, and ethical considerations required for status as an approved medical device. Overall, this modern view of Star Trekmedical deviceshighlights their potential and that one device, in particular, the genetronic replicator, is currently being brought from science fiction to science fact. |
| ISU program : | Master of Space Studies |
| Permalink: | https://isulibrary.isunet.edu/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=11089 |
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 Crowley, Erika L._IPR (60.2 MO) Adobe Acrobat PDF |
