Rodent research aboard the International Space Station has led to the development of new drugs on Earth that combat bone loss. A commercially available osteoperosis treatment was validated through several shuttle and space station missions that successfully stopped bone loss in mice. In human trials, the drug reduced vertebral fractures by 68 percent and hip fractures by 40 percent.
Long-duration living in a low- or zero-gravity environment leads to many health problems, from vision impairment to bone and muscle loss. To better understand how a lack of gravity affects our bodies, NASA scientists have made extensive use of rodent testing in space. On a trip to Mars or other far away destinations, astronauts will need medications and exercise routines to stay healthy and strong.
Learn more about how NASA helped develop technology that impacts osteoperosis treatment within your home's bathroom environment!