A recent study published in PLOS ONE has shed light on the challenges of space travel for humans, using mice as a model organism. Researchers at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and NASA Ames Research Center have found that test mice living aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience significant bone loss in their femurs compared to control mice on Earth.
The study aimed to understand how freefall affects four-legged creatures like mice, which differ from humans who walk on two legs. The team found that most of the bone loss occurred in the femurs, with denser bone above the hip joint experiencing little damage. This suggests that the sudden change in gravitational pull is the primary cause of bone loss.
The findings have significant implications for long-duration space travel, including missions to Mars. The research team recommends exploring alternative methods to reduce bone loss, such as changing diets or shielding from space radiation, which may not be effective. The study provides valuable insights into the effects of microgravity on living organisms and highlights the need for further research to ensure astronauts’ health during extended space missions.
Note: I made minor adjustments to sentence structure and wording to improve clarity and concision while maintaining the original content’s accuracy and essence.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-03-femur-bone-density-loss-mice.html