LOCAD

The Lab-on-a-Chip Applications Development, or LOCAD element is a set of related projects at NASA. The projects develop integrated lab-on-a-chip products in three areas related to space exploration: Environmental Control Life Systems Support (ECLSS), Medical Systems, and Remote Exploration. NASA conducts activities related to these projects both at the Marshall Space Flight Center and aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

LOCAD-PTS

The Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development–Portable Test System, or LOCAD-PTS, is a handheld device that can detect bacteria or fungi on the surfaces inside a spacecraft within minutes. Standard methods of culturing take several days, and may require samples being returned to Earth for analysis. An early version of LOCAD-PTS, which can test for Gram-negative bacteria, is currently being tested aboard ISS. [cite web | url = http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/11may_locad3.htm?list994055 | title = Preventing "Sick" Spaceships | publisher = NASA] . An interim report from the Committee to Review NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program notes that the technology is far behind the state of the art and the project would benefit from external peer review. However, it is beneficial for space exploration. [cite web | url=http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12189 | title=Review of NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program: An interim Report|publisher=The National Academies Press]

References

External links

* [http://locad.nasa.gov/ LOCAD - Lab-on-a-Chip Applications Development ]
* [http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/06apr_locad2.htm No Foolin' -- 'Lab on a Chip' Works!]