NSLHD News - June 14 2024

Researchers inform next-gen space suit design Leading researchers from the Kolling Institute have welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Metakosmos as it pioneers the development of a next-generation space suit.

which involves collecting comprehensive physiological data, creating pathways that work on simulated models, and addressing modifiable environmental factors, such as trip hazards and fall risks. “Our research is continually evolving as we measure and refine our approach. The Kolling Institute’s interest in muscle mapping aligns perfectly with the goals of Metakosmos, and we are integrating our findings to support this area. “By leveraging their combined expertise, Metakosmos and the Kolling Institute, among other institutions, are breaking new ground in wearable technology for extreme environments, marking a significant step forward in human health and performance.”

The company is working to revolutionise human spaceflight technology and has developed a Kosmosuit to reduce the physiological impacts of space radiation and microgravity. Space radiation for example, can have a detrimental effect on the musculoskeletal system, leading to bone density loss, muscle atrophy, joint degeneration, impaired healing and increased injury risk. The conditions in space can also lead to other changes, with astronauts returning to Earth five to eight centimetres taller. The Kolling Institute’s Professor James Elliott first met Kiriti Rambhatla, the CEO of Metakosmos at a space consortium last year. “We immediately realised we had synergies,” said James Elliott. “Kiriti was interested in our collaborative multidisciplinary work towards measuring wellbeing after trauma. Not much is known about long-term post-trauma recovery, and no two recoveries are the same. “Kiriti was intrigued by our methodology,

Metakosmos CEO Kiriti Rambhatla with Professor James Elliott

Research recognised at emerging researchers event Around 50 attendees gathered at the Kolling Institute for an early career research forum to hear cutting-edge research from NSLHD and University of Sydney researchers working in various clinical specialties.

Hosted by the RNSH Scientific Staff Council and PReSS, 22 speakers addressed a myriad of topics, covering research in neuroscience and pain, cancer, clinical medicine, and cardiovascular, renal and musculoskeletal. After a full day of innovative presentations, judges from different specialties awarded prizes to several scholars. Lydia Chen was awarded first prize in the higher degree research category for her presentation about a clinical trial on enhancing muscle strength in recent spinal cord injury patients. Kevin Winardi was first in the early career researcher section for his work on the hepatic protein signatures of chronic polypharmacy, monotherapy, and deprescribing in mice. Other higher degree research prize winners included Alison Sim (second) and Caitlin Fenech and Hari Sritharan (third). The other winners were Bilal Malik and Ryan Wallis (second) and Kaitlyn Trajcevski (third).

Kevin Winardi, Bilal Malik and Kaitlyn Trajcevski

Lydia Chen and Caitlin Fenech

NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 11| 14 JUNE 2024

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