Dr Simon Evetts, senior lecturer in exercise sciences at Thames Valley University, has developed the first device in collaboration with Professor Thais Russomano from Brazil's PUCRS University, that can safely collect and measure blood in a weightless environment.

The breakthrough device will for the first time allow astronauts to collect arterial blood measures in zero gravity without the risk of contaminating their environment.

Dr Evetts said: "Currently, if information is required about the state of a person's physiology while in space, arterial blood samples usually need to be taken, but this would require a doctor or skilled practitioner and has inherent risks, not least of which would be blood spillage a major contamination of a weightless environment.

"The device that we have made and the procedures that we have developed enable blood to be taken from the ear without the risk of contamination.

"Furthermore, almost anyone can do it with a few hours training and it has widespread earth medical applications.

"Every paramedic from every hospital in every country would be interested in this little device because it is small, light, easy to use and quick."

The device was tested in March 2006 during European Space Agency parabolic flights in Bordeaux. During the flights, the research team experienced about 90 "twenty second" periods of weightlessness (microgravity) in which to test the device.

The study worked better than anticipated, taking blood easily, simply and more quickly than earth-based trials.

The research team next intends to develop the device for use with a portable analyser and will do further tests and clinical trials before applying for a trial to test the device in orbit on the International Space Station.