Unexpected Benefits of Space Travel Revealed: Bone Marrow Fat Acts as Safeguard Against Weightlessness Effects, Potentially Aiding Both Astronauts and Earth’s Health
Space study uncovers benefits of space travel in which the bone marrow fat’s surprising role countering weightlessness, aiding astronauts and terrestrial health. Led by Dr. Guy Trudel, ISS research reveals reduced marrow fat, aiding red blood cells and bones.
This discovery of benefits of space travel not only has implications for space travelers but could also offer insights into treating bone-related issues for people on Earth. (PHOTO: The Daily Guardian)
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Unexpected Space Travel Benefit: Bone Marrow Fat Counteracts Weightlessness Effects, Potentially Benefiting Astronauts and Earth’s Health
A recent study on astronauts aboard the International Space Station has revealed a surprising benefits of space travel. According to Space, researchers found that the fatty tissue inside bones might act as a safeguard against the negative effects of weightlessness, such as decreased red blood cells and bone density. This discovery not only has implications for space travelers but could also offer insights into treating bone-related issues for people on Earth.
Led by Guy Trudel, a rehabilitation physician and researcher at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, the benefits of space travel study focused on 14 astronauts who spent at least six months on the ISS. The aim was to understand how space affects bone marrow and blood production, as reported. The results showed that astronauts had less bone marrow fat about a month after returning to Earth, suggesting that this fat could be used to help restore lost bone and red blood cells caused by space travel.
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Space Travel Benefit: Vital Role of Red Blood Cells for Astronauts Revealed: Implications Extend Beyond Space Missions
Healthy red blood cells are crucial for carrying oxygen in the body. This ‘benefits of space travel’ finding is important not only for space missions to the moon or Mars but also for NASA’s broader plans for establishing settlements on other celestial bodies. Anemia, caused by low red blood cell levels, could affect the energy and strength of astronauts returning from these missions, so understanding and preventing it is crucial.
Published in Nature Communications on August 9, the ‘benefits of space travel’ study was supported by the Canadian Space Agency and highlights the connection between space science and medical advancements. By exploring this phenomenon further, scientists could potentially improve anemia prevention and treatment methods. This research not only sheds light on the challenges of space travel but also points toward new ways to address health issues here on Earth.
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