From Newsgroup: alt.tv.star-trek.tos
From Address: carolyn.e.heath{at}hotmail-dot-com.no-spam.invalid (cazza13)
Subject: PICS:  'Star Trek' device that heals skin instantly could soon be
used by astronauts on ISS

So TV actually isn't Science Fiction anymore??? Amazing discoveries. 
Medicine and Science have come a long way.


FROM:  MO

Star Trek has once again proved how ahead of its time it was after
being the influence behind a new range of biotechnological devices
from Nasa. 

When Commander Riker has a run in with DataAs cat, in TV series Star
Trek: The Next Generation, Dr Beverley Crusher heals his wounds
instantly using a simple handheld device. 

The gadget, called a dermal regenerator, works by regenerating RikerAs
cells and despite being a work of fiction, the technology could soon
become a reality on board the International Space Station. 

Nasa has signed a deal to create anovel biotechnologyA devices
including a system that builds 3D human cells, and another that treats
pain externally.  

The gadgets will be built under patent licensing agreements in
partnership with Texas-based GRoK Technologies and are the results of
the agency's Technology Transfer Program. 

The first device, called BioReplicates, will let users create 3D human
tissue models that can be used for drug and cosmetic testing. 

They will increase the asafety, efficacy and toxicityA of current
tests and add agreater accuracy, reliability and cost-efficiency.A

Nasa said the technology could help reduce animal testing, too. 

The technology would work in a similar way to the dermal regenerators
used in Star Trek and future models could one day heal wounds
automatically.  

The second technology, called Scionic, would be used in medical
devices that could target musculoskeletal pain and inflammation
externally. 

For example, devices could be rubbed over the skin and boost the
bodyAs natural painkilling functions, without the use of drugs.

Nasa said it is interested in the potential these technologies present
for regenerating bone and muscle. 

During long spaceflights, for example, astronauts have been known to
develop osteopenia - a condition that arises from the loss of bone and
muscle mass and bone density. 

The patented technologies will help GRoK develop breakthrough products
for the research and medical communities and advance overall
understanding of biomedicine. 

aIt's not just science fiction anymore. All indications are that 21st
century life sciences will change dramatically during the next several
decades, and GRoK is working to define the forefront of a new
scientific wave,A explained GRoK's founder and CEO Moshe Kushman.

The Russian Federal Space Agency (RKA) has already created technology
that performs a similar job to GRoK TechnologiesA Scionic concept. 

Called Scenar, the device uses a mild electrical signal thatAs placed
over a personAs skin on areas of pain.

Dermal nerve receptors in the skin send these signals through the
central nervous system to the brain. 

The brain reacts by releasing neuropeptides - natural healing and
regulatory substances, including some of the strongest known
painkillers such as endorphins.

It differs from TENS machines, because it encourages the body to heal
itself, whereas TENS uses electrical signals to temporarily block pain
signals from reaching the brain.
 
View the attachments for this post at:
http://www.jlaforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=267887319#267887319

--- Synchronet 3.15a-Linux NewsLink 1.92-mlp
--- SBBSecho 2.12-Linux