Exciting Study on Space Provides Hope for Treating Bone Diseases

With the renewed interest in space exploration, new research suggests that studying space may lead to advancements in the prevention and treatment of bone diseases.

A recent study published in Nature Communications on August 9th, conducted by researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, reveals that the human body can recover from bone loss by utilizing fat stored in the bone marrow tissue.

The study tracked 14 astronauts who participated in six-month long missions between 2015 and 2022. Upon their return to Earth, the astronauts experienced significant bone loss and anemia, but gradually recovered to normal levels.

Interestingly, the researchers discovered for the first time that exposure to space resulted in a 4.2% reduction in bone marrow fat in the astronauts over a month after their return.

Dr. Guy Trudel, a rehabilitation physician at the Ottawa Hospital and co-author of the study, suggests that the fat reduction in the bone marrow may be used as a local source of energy for the production of red blood cells and bone growth.

This finding is considered a significant breakthrough, as it has implications not only for space exploration but also for chronic medical conditions on Earth.

Fat content in the bone has been linked to conditions such as osteoporosis, obesity, glucose intolerance, and metabolic syndrome, but the exact role it plays in these conditions has not been fully understood. Trudel believes that this research model can provide further insight into these conditions on Earth.

Trudel is optimistic that the findings from this study can soon be applied to treatments and rehabilitation. It may also have potential in conjunction with existing diabetes medication.

As various countries and companies compete to reach the Moon’s South Pole and explore Mars, research such as this is crucial in preparing astronauts physically for longer missions.

Studies have shown that human bones lose an average of one to five percent of mineral density per month during spaceflight, and muscles can weaken due to weak gravity. Further research is ongoing to develop countermeasures and exercises to mitigate these changes related to space.

– with files from Global News’ Nathaniel Dove

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