Life at High G-Force

Life at High G-Force is a biography of Dr. Earl H. Wood who is best known for his ground-breaking work on the G-suit during World War II as well as his role in the creation of several innovative medical technologies. He is one of Mayo Clinic’s most prominent researchers and was recruited by Mayo Clinic to conduct research on gravitational physiology on their human centrifuge. He and fellow scientists investigated the effects of acceleration and the cause of gravitational loss of consciousness. This resulted in a vastly improved G-suit, which allowed Allied pilots to outmaneuver Japanese and German planes and win the air battles of World War II. After the war, Dr. Wood continued his research, pioneering cardiac catheterization on patient with heart disease. He helped develop the oximeter, which is a well-known tool used to detect pulse, is used in every hospital and clinic around the world. In the 1970’s he and his team developed a computer-based X-ray techniques, paving the way for modern CAT and MRI scanners. Dr. Wood’s innovations put him in the forefront of aviation and medical science in the 20th century.

• Biography of Dr. Earl H. Wood
• Provides insight on his research with Mayo Clinic and his role on the creation of several innovative medical technologies