Concluding 2D-to-3D Transformation of VESGEN Software for Urgent Astronaut Health Risks during Long-Duration ISS and Mars Exploration Missions, Year 2

Building upon our first CIF award in 2016 for transforming NASA's VESGEN software from 2D to 3D, we now propose to finalize this widely requested, fundamentally important innovation. Complex, fractal-based 3D vascular branching systems are required for all higher terrestrial life forms, including humans, other vertebrates, insects and higher land plants (dicotyledons) such as maple, oak and herbs. The VESGEN 3D capability is further recommended by ARC's Technology Partnerships, with supporting patent applications in progress by the ARC Legal Office (ARC 17611-1). Key concepts for the VESGEN 3D transformation include translational symmetry for organs such as the retina and gastrointestinal system (GI) and rotational symmetry for organs such as the liver. Advancing to the VESGEN 3D platform will position the vascular analysis as innovative middleware for new, pioneering 3D biomedical imaging such as functional OCT angiography for the retina, intravital GI imaging, and CT for the placenta and organs such as the liver and brain. Our current highly competitive research awards from NASA and NIH (top 3% score) do not allow for further software innovations, being restricted to the analysis of 2D clinical images of retinal blood vessels in astronauts, NASA research subjects, and patients diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.