A medical student at Duke University is unraveling a mystery that could have life-or-death consequences for astronauts. Dominic Tanzillo is investigating whether microgravity raises the risk of blood clots, which could be fatal if they form in the lungs.
As NASA prepares to send humans back to the Moon in 2027, understanding this risk is crucial. Astronauts need doctors like Tanzillo to monitor their health and prevent problems. The third-year medical student has been studying the Virchow Triad, a model that identifies three factors contributing to blood clot formation.
Tanzillo’s research focuses on microgravity’s effect on blood composition, vessel walls, and blood flow in space. He believes that fluids shift upward in microgravity, causing blood to pool in certain areas and increasing clot risk. If a clot forms, it could cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
To test his hypothesis, Tanzillo used blood samples from commercial astronauts and analyzed them for biochemical markers. He worked with experts at the Cornell Aerospace Medicine Biobank and the Duke BioRepository & Precision Pathology Center to refine tests that can detect subtle changes in blood clotting mechanisms.
Tanzillo’s research has implications not only for NASA missions but also for the future of space exploration. His findings could lead to preventive measures, such as medication or compression garments, to mitigate the risk of blood clots.
As a pioneer in expanding space medicine education at Duke, Tanzillo is not only addressing a critical health concern but also inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts and medical professionals.
Source: https://medschool.duke.edu/stories/medical-mystery-microgravity-can-space-travel-raise-risk-blood-clots