Simulated neuroimaging technology in the ARKTOS Arctic environmental chamber for military personnel and civilians in preparation for the rapid acclimatization that might be necessary for Arctic deployment. (Baylor University)
WACO, Texas - Texas is not usually the first place considered when it comes to training for arctic conditions, but a new research facility at Baylor University will soon change that.
What we know:
Phase one of the university's Arctic Acclimatization & Sleep Optimization Research Center or ARKTOS opened this week. The chamber allows researchers to study the effects of arctic conditions on sleep, cognition and human performance.
Inside the chamber, temperatures can fall to -22 degrees Farenheit and oxygen can be reduced to simulate high-altitude conditions.
The space allows researchers to study rapid acclimatization to extreme conditions, combat casualty care, tactical decision making and sleep optimization.
Researchers hope the studies can improve the function of biomedical devices in the field.
ARKTOS co-director and Baylor professor Dr. Cory Smith (blue coat and tie) led a tour of the ARKTOS Arctic environmental chamber for Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17) (brown coat and gold tie), who secured $1 million for Phase I of the research cen … (Baylor University)
With phase 1 complete, phase 2 is on its way
The completed chamber is just the first phase of the ARKTOS research facility.
Phase two will add an Arctic Motion Simulation Chamber that simulates extreme environmental conditions and scenarios encountered in military and civilian emergency response teams.
The next phase will be capable of simulating ground transport, air transport up to 24,000 feet in altitude and snow and mountain sides.
Phase one was funded by $1 million secured in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill by Rep. Pete Sessions. Phase two will be funded similarly with $2 million in the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Baylor University.