Bone and space
Abstract
In space, astronauts can lose up to 1% of bone mass per month, mainly from the weight-bearing bones. A significant increase in the fracture risk could thus compromise very long-duration missions. On Earth, millions of people suffer from osteoporosis. The ERISTO MAP project aims at better control of the factors and the process of bone remodelling, with the objective of fighting against both space bone loss and osteoporosis. The space environment provides unique mechanical stress-free experimental conditions and can be considered to some extent to provide an accelerated and reversible model of osteoporosis. Research is focusing on providing in vitro and in vivo models and innovative supporting technologies. The main objective is to build 3-D multi-cell models that mimick the process of bone remodelling in order to define the best conditions for tissue engineering. For companies, the ERISTO team is providing not only knowledge and novel experimentation for developing new science but also unique insights into and understanding of complex biological problems.
- Publication:
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ESA Special Publication
- Pub Date:
- October 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005ESASP1290..326B
- Keywords:
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- Life Sciences;
- Bone Structure