Bone Fragility

Space induced bone loss.

We are studying space-induced bone loss in rats and monkeys flown on Cosmos satellites and Spacelab Shuttle missions. We have shown that in rats flown both on Shuttle mission and on Biocosmos satellite the mineralization of bone is different in space and that this is not only due to unloading of the skeleton but also due to lack of gravity. We are now exploring the idea that cancellous bone formed in space has a different architecture than bone formed on earth.

Future Research

The relation between bone mineralization and bone fragility in aging.

When does fluoride accumulation become detrimental to the skeleton?