In this assignment you will be asked questions about the effects of special envi
ID: 274379 • Letter: I
Question
In this assignment you will be asked questions about the effects of special environments on bone health.
Directions:
The effects of microgravity on bone health are well studied due to decades on research on astronauts. As NASA contemplates manned missions to Mars these effects weigh heavily on mission planners. What are the specific effects of near zero gravity on the bone health of astronauts? Explain how these effects can be minimized. What can one specifically do while in space to maintain good bone health? Good diet and nutrition is not enough in such an environment. Develop a program these astronauts can use to strengthen bones while they are in space.
Explanation / Answer
Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly breaking down & replacing it with new bones. Osteoblast & osteoclast cells are responsible to maintain this cycle. When lived in microgravity for several weeks astronauts encounter bone loss. At space bones are not subjected to the same stress that they encounter at earth & this is linked with the bone loss. Though the exact mechanism which triggers the bone loss is still under research but some steps can be taken to minimize this risk during stay at space. Apart from taking appropriate nutrients including calcium & vitamin D, to overcome this one study suggested astronauts to engage in exercise during two & half hours a day & six times a week. Another study suggested taking bisphosphonate once a week to prevent bone loss. Though research are still going to find the 'silver bullet' that can effectively solve this problem, but the above two methods can still some way minimize the risk of bone loss.