The Science of Growing Bone in Space (Video)

An ISSInternational Space Station National Lab-facilitated experiment investigating the ability to rebuild bone and possibly putting a halt to bone loss is being researched on the ISS. Dramatic changes to the musculoskeletal system occur during spaceflight, including bone density loss, bone weakness, and muscle weakness. Chia Soo, a researcher at UCLA, discusses what she and her colleagues hope to learn through research in microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. as well as a recent success testing a new drug that aids in growing bone. Such treatments could potentially benefit millions of patients on Earth suffering from conditions such as osteoporosis.