NASA's Dr. Loftus Invents Medical Marvel, the Biocapsule

One of the common (mis)conceptions of NASA is that their research is driven towards space. This is only partially true. A more accurate interpretation would be that NASA primarily researches space exploration, and those breakthroughs are often applied to life here at home. The latest breakthrough of Dr. David Loftus, the biocapsule, would be such an example. NASA was looking for ways to better secure the safety and welfare of astronauts that may be selected for a manned mission to Mars.

This led to the need for an automated "doctor" that could observe, diagnose, and medicate the astronaut while being out of reach of external medical treatment for years at a time. Initially, NASA's Dr. Loftus made the biocapsule (a tiny tube inserted under the skin) as a solution to deal with the possible radiation poisoning that can occur when the Sun unleashes a blast of energy at the astronaut. The biocapsule would then release medicine into the body to stabilize it and treat the ailments as they occur.

In it's conception, Dr. Loftus immediately began to see a much wider terrestrial use for the biocapsule. Diabetic patients that rely on regular insulin shots could instead have a biocapsule implanted. The biocapsule, constructed with a glucose-sensing and insulin secretion function, would be able to monitor and respond to the needs of the patient almost instantly. In principle, this will be far more accurate and responsive than the patients themselves. The possibility of a diabetic lapsing into a coma or dying in their sleep from lack of being able to monitor their condition would be a forgotten threat with the biocapsule.

Dr. Loftus constructed the biocapsule out of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are highly resilient nanostructures that cannot be broken down by any known enzyme. The structure is stable yet porous, enabling medicine to be easily distributed while still keeping cells in place. The biocapsule is said to be able to hold enough doses to last multiple years and the carbon-based build insures that it easily tolerated by the body due to the inert nature.

Dr. Loftus believes realistically, biocapsules could become a widespread form of treatment in the next 10-15 years; and include treatment for cancer, hemophilia, allergies, and any other ailment that can be monitored and medicated.

Animal trials begin this year, followed by human trials in a few years.