JRCentral Research Impact
Documenting the ideas, research, and innovations developed within JRCentral — a growing archive of scientific inquiry, collaboration, and intellectual exploration.
100+
Publications by Team Members
7
JRC Published Issues
2
Preprints
50+
Research Members
1. Nature Portfolio Publication — npj Microgravity
Fig. 1: Microbubbles in venous blood of healthy humans under reduced pressure. a–e Magnified views of microbubble nucleation and associated textural changes in venous blood samples collected from different healthy adult individuals, exposed to vacuum-induced decompression (350–650 mmHg at 40°C). All images depict visually detectable microbubble formation, with notable inter-subject variation in bubble distribution, density, and structural transitions. These variations reflect individual-specific thermophysical responses of blood under decompressive stress, offering insight into the morphological pathways leading to potential cardiovascular risks in extreme environments such as spaceflight.
Also Mentioned in -
Journal: npj Microgravity (Nature Portfolio)
Year: 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00517-5
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Abstract:
When astronauts or divers experience a rapid drop in surrounding pressure, tiny gas bubbles can form in their blood—a condition that can threaten heart and vessel function. In this study, we simulated such decompression using fresh, warmed blood samples (37–40 °C) placed in a vacuum chamber. Bubbles consistently appeared near 600 mmHg. Their formation led to acoustic softening, a sharp drop in the speed of sound through blood. As flow velocity remained unchanged, the rising local Mach number brought the system closer to Sanal flow choking, triggered at a critical pressure ratio. Once choking occurs, it can lead to localized supersonic zones and abrupt pressure jumps. Additionally, bubbles may coalesce and block narrow vessels—a phenomenon akin to vapor lock—further impeding circulation. These findings reveal a novel mechanistic link between microbubble formation, acoustic softening, and flow choking, offering valuable insights for protecting cardiovascular health during spaceflight and rapid decompression events.
Authors :
2. American Heart Association International Scholar Award (2025)
Journal: Circulation Research
Volume: 137 (Supplement 1)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/res.137.suppl_1.Fri015
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Abstract:
When astronauts or divers experience a rapid drop in surrounding pressure, tiny gas bubbles can form in their blood—a condition that can threaten heart and vessel function. In this study, we simulated such decompression using fresh, warmed blood samples (37–40 °C) placed in a vacuum chamber. Bubbles consistently appeared near 600 mmHg. Their formation led to acoustic softening, a sharp drop in the speed of sound through blood. As flow velocity remained unchanged, the rising local Mach number brought the system closer to Sanal flow choking, triggered at a critical pressure ratio. Once choking occurs, it can lead to localized supersonic zones and abrupt pressure jumps. Additionally, bubbles may coalesce and block narrow vessels—a phenomenon akin to vapor lock—further impeding circulation. These findings reveal a novel mechanistic link between microbubble formation, acoustic softening, and flow choking, offering valuable insights for protecting cardiovascular health during spaceflight and rapid decompression events.
