Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness (DCS) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences a rapid decrease in pressure, such as when ascending to altitude or returning to the surface from a deep dive. The decrease in pressure causes the formation of gas bubbles in the body's tissues and bloodstream, which can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from mild joint pain and skin rashes to more severe neurological and respiratory problems. DCS is a significant risk for astronauts during spacewalks and extravehicular activities, as the sudden change in pressure can cause gas bubbles to form in the body. To prevent DCS, astronauts must undergo a careful decompression process before and after spacewalks, which involves gradually reducing the pressure in their spacesuits and living quarters over a period of several hours. Additionally, astronauts are trained to recognize the symptoms of DCS and to take appropriate action if they occur.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Special Relativity: Special Relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that describes the laws of physics in a frame of reference that is moving at a constant velocity relative to an observer. It is based on two postulates: the laws of physics are the ... Read More >>
- Electric Arc: An electric arc is a discharge of electricity that occurs when a current flows through a gas, usually air, between two conductive electrodes. In space and astronautical engineering, electric arcs are used for a variety of purposes, includin ... Read More >>
- Regression Testing: Regression testing is a type of software testing that is performed to ensure that changes or modifications made to a software application do not adversely affect the existing functionality of the application. It involves re-executing test c ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06