Former Astronaut Seeks To Build Tricorders

Image: Astronaut Scott Parazynski in May 2009 using a Jaz spectroradiometer from Ocean Optics at Everest Base Camp to measure solar irradiance [See “Using a Tricorder on Mount Everest“]

“A five-time astronaut, [Scott] Parazynski said he’s especially eager to tackle projects in the fields of minimally invasive surgery and nanomedicine, with its potential to use targeted drugs to destroy tumors and plaques in arteries. Some inspiration, he admits, comes from Star Trek. “I’m hoping to leverage my background to create the next generation of minimally invasive surgery and diagnostic tools,” Parazynski said. “As a physician growing up and watching Star Trek, we all wanted a medical tricorder. So one of the things I’d love to do is think big and push the envelope on what is possible.” For those who don’t grok Spock, a “tricorder “is a fictional device that can scan a person and immediately diagnose a disease or injury.” More at Ultimate Clear Lake