WatSen: design and testing of a prototype mid-IR spectrometer and microscope package for Mars exploration

We have designed and built a compact breadboard prototype instrument called WatSen: a combined ATR mid-IR spectrometer, fixed-focus microscope, and humidity sensor. The instrument package is enclosed in a rugged cylindrical casing only 26 mm in diameter. The functionality, reliability and performance of the instrument was tested in an environment chamber set up to resemble martian surface conditions. The effective wavelength range of the spectrometer is 6.2–10.3 μm with a resolution Δλ/λ = 0.015. This allows detection of silicates and carbonates, including an indication of the presence of water (ice). Spectra of clusters of grains < 1 mm across were acquired that are comparable with spectra of the same material obtained using a commercial system. The microscope focuses through the diamond ATR crystal. Colour images of the grains being spectroscopically analysed are obtainable with a resolution of ∼20 μm

Role of physical activity in cardiovascular disease prevention in older adults

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) will account for around 30 % of deaths worldwide by 2020 with a relative increase over time due to population aging. In addition, the lifestyles of populations today contribute to the development of risk factors for CVD, such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, among others. Physical inactivity is also associated with increased risk of morbidity or worsening CVD. In this review, we discuss the involvement of physical activity in the prevention of CVD risk factors. We also describe the role of physical activity in CVD prevention during aging