Space technology might also fight bird flu
The European Space Agency says a French company has successfully adapted space technology to help hospitals fight possible pandemic flu outbreaks.
The company, AirInSpace, with support from the ESA, adapted technology developed to protect astronauts in space into its Plasmer Bioprotection System that's designed to protect immune-deficient patients against the avian flu virus and other airborne pathogens.
The Paris-based ESA said Plasmer technology is a multistage system that uses strong electrical fields and cold plasma chambers for the biological decontamination of air onboard spacecraft. It was invented during the early 1990s by Russian scientists.
With support from ESA's Technology Transfer and Promotion Office, AirInSpace used that technology to develop a transportable and protective unit for use in hospitals and emergency scenarios, providing an easily deployable clean room.
AirInSpace says it is now working to expand the use of its Plasmer technology in non-hospital applications, such as commercial airliners, private jets, industrial environments and residential usage.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International