Biomedical subjects

J K Ferguson

Publications and source records attributed to J K Ferguson.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1978

Prevalence of fungi during Skylab missions.

Samples for mycological analysis were collected from surfaces in the Skylab spacecraft before launch and during flight for each manned mission. Fungal contamination levels were low during the first two flights; however, the species recovered were different for each mission. On the third mission, widespread contamination of the Skylab spacecraft with Aspergillus and Pencillium spp. was detected. This contamination was traced to several contaminated space suit undergarments.

Aspergillus↗

PubMed1977

Slide staining device for use during space flight.

A slide staining device is described that performs Gram and Wright stains during space flight. Reagents and liquid wastes are contained within a closed system.

Space Flight↗

PubMed1975

Microbiological sampling of the spacecraft atmosphere during a simulated skylab mission.

A skylab Air Sampler (SAS) has been developed for the use during Skylab missions. The SAS was used in the Skylab Medical Experiments Altitude Test (SMEAT) to gather baseline data which could be directly compared to data obtained during actual Skylab missions. The results obtained in the SMEAT gave no evidence of consistent change in either concentration or types of microorganisms in the SMEAT atmosphere over the 56-d test. Microorganisms found included some potential pathogens but were largely normal human microflora. Few typical soil microorganisms were found. These findings are related to commonly anticipated effects of long-term spaceflights on environmental microflora and to other closed environment studies.

Aerospace Medicine↗