A new technology developed in the Waterloo region has made history by taking the first-ever X-ray of an astronaut in space. The X-ray detector, created by startup KA Imaging, uses a lightweight system that allows for clear images and bone density measurements while in space.
The technology was part of a mission to study Earth’s polar regions from space. Astronauts experience significant changes in their body due to prolonged exposure to zero gravity, including bone loss and reduced density. Monitoring this change is crucial to ensure astronauts’ health during extended missions.
According to Chief Technology Officer Karim Karim, the new X-ray detector differs significantly from those used in hospitals. It’s a handheld device weighing around 25 pounds, unlike the large machines found in hospital rooms. This miniaturized technology has numerous applications, including healthcare and security.
In the region, long wait times in healthcare are a major issue. The new X-ray technology can help alleviate these wait times by enabling triage at an earlier stage. It also offers higher sensitivity for early detection of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia.
The technology is already being used clinically in several hospitals, including those in Ontario, the US, and overseas. Its adoption could save millions of dollars per year in healthcare costs.
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/x-ray-1.7502177