Office of Scientific Research and Development facts for kids

The Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) was a special group in the United States government. It was created to help with scientific research during World War II. The OSRD officially started on June 28, 1941.

This agency took over from an earlier group called the National Defense Research Committee. The OSRD had lots of money and resources. It was led by Vannevar Bush, who reported directly to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Amazing Discoveries for War Efforts

The OSRD worked on many different science projects. Their goal was to help the military. They looked for ways to make new and better weapons.

Some of their projects included:

• Developing more accurate bombs.
• Creating reliable detonators for explosives.
• Working on the proximity fuze, which helps bombs explode at the right time.
• Designing guided missiles.
• Improving radar and early-warning systems.
• Making lighter and more accurate hand weapons.

They also worked on better medical treatments for soldiers. They developed more versatile vehicles for the military.

The Secret S-1 Section

One of the most secret projects was the S-1 Section. This group later became known as the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was a top-secret effort. Its goal was to develop the first atomic weapons.

Studying Human Health

From 1943 to 1946, the OSRD also studied human health. They wanted to understand how the human body reacted to different conditions. They used volunteers for these studies. These volunteers were people who chose not to fight in the war because of their beliefs. They came from the Civilian Public Service.

The studies covered many topics, such as:

• Research on malaria.
• How the body reacts to high altitude pressure.
• What happens when people eat life raft rations.
• The effects of extreme cold (frostbite).
• How sound affects people (psycho-acoustics).
• The effects of poison gas.
• What happens when people drink or are exposed to seawater.
• How the body handles different temperatures and climates.
• The effects of bed rest on the body.

Nutrition and Diet Studies

One important study focused on diet and nutrition. Ancel Keys from the University of Minnesota led this research. He worked with 32 volunteers.

First, the volunteers ate a normal diet for three months. Then, for six months, they ate a diet with fewer calories. This was similar to what people in wartime Europe experienced. The study showed how the men's bodies kept working. It also showed how their moods changed. They became more quiet, tired, and easily annoyed. Some even felt very sad.

After this, the study looked at how the men recovered. They returned to a normal diet and gained back the weight they lost. The volunteers later said the project was very tough.

The OSRD stopped its work in December 1947.