Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2022 - 46

Health & Biotech
" The core body temperatures that the device
monitors to determine a red, yellow, or
green alert are set at generally lower temperatures,
appropriate for recruits who may
not yet be acclimated to the demands of
military training. In the future, this setting
could be modified at the individual level, "
said James Balcius, a biomedical researcher
in the Human Health and Performance
Systems Group, who leads the research.
The algorithm this device uses to estimate
core body temperature was developed
by the U.S. government in 2013. It
has since been used in many commercial
products. This device, however, is the first
use of the algorithm in a form factor as
small as a smartwatch.
This technology was developed under
the sponsorship of the U.S. Army Medical
Materiel Development Activity and in partnership
with the U.S. Army Research Institute
of Environmental Medicine. In October
2021, the technology was transitioned
to the U.S. Marine Corps Training and
Education Command, who have so far
fielded 170 prototypes at basic training
sites. Feedback has been positive, with recommendations
to enhance the capability.
Balcius is now pursuing ways to transition
this capability beyond the military.
Heat stress injuries are reported significantly
in humanitarian aid and disaster relief
organizations as well.
For more information, contact David R.
Granchelli at granchelli@ll.mit.edu; 781981-
4204.
Constructing 3D Models of Mineralized Tissue On-Demand
Human bone-like structures grown in a lab can aid in orthopedic research and product development
of medical devices.
NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
A
technique to grow 3D tissue constructs,
similar to human bone, in a
laboratory environment has been developed
by bioengineers at NASA Johnson
Space Center. Problems arise when
studying both the normal state and
pathophysiology of bone. The ability to
construct a 3D model of such mineralized
tissue on-demand is a major step
forward in how the process of bone formation
and remodeling can be studied.
One of the central objectives of this
project was the development and characterization
of a 3D mineralized tissue
model system in which the effects of mechanical
load (e.g., compression loading,
tension, vibration, etc.) on the cellular
responses of osteoblasts and
osteoclasts could be investigated. After
introducing mineralization agents to the
culture, the constructs take on a bonelike
appearance and have a more rigid
structure suitable for being tested.
Testing of the mineralized constructs
confirmed the presence of calcium
through a crystalline matrix histochemical
stain. The central core is void of necrotic
material, instead filled by a crystalline
matrix with embedded nucleated
cells. Remarkably, the nucleated cells do
not express osteoblast markers, indicating
differentiation to the in vivo cell type
known as the osteocyte.
In addition, as is characteristic to native
periosteum, osteoclast
precursor
cells were imaged and proven to naturally
arrange as an outer layer of the mineralized
bone tissue construct. Development
of this model will provide a unique
venue for testing proposed countermeasures
to space flight-induced bone loss.
46
Human primary osteoblast/osteoclast 3D construct development following 21 days of culture (~4
mm diameter spheroids). (Photo: NASA)
It will also allow a mechanistic approach
in the modulation of cell signaling at the
cellular level within the bone matrix.
Applications include orthopedic research
and product development of
medical devices, drug discovery, as well
as bone function and formation studies.
NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize
this technology. Please contact NASA's
Licensing Concierge at Agency-PatentLicensing@mail.nasa.gov
or call at 202-3587432
to initiate licensing discussions. For
more information visit:
https://technology.
nasa.gov/patent/MSC-TOPS-95.
www.techbriefs.com
Mineralized 3D bone constructs fluorescently
stained to track osteoclast precursor cells, revealed
as white portions in the image. (Photo: NASA)
Tech Briefs, June 2022
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Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2022

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