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tarkool OP t1_j7rsl3g wrote

This experiment marks the first time that UCLA scientists will send rodents to the International Space Station. According to the article, "After living in microgravity and receiving NELL-1 injections for about four weeks, half of the rodents will return from space and land in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja, California."

Dr. Eric Ting Kang first discovered the NELL-1 protein in 1996 and, "NELL-1 has a powerful effect on tissue-specific stem cells that create bone-building cells called osteoblasts. When exposed to NELL-1, the stem cells create osteoblasts that are much more effective at building bone. Furthermore, NELL-1 reduces the function of osteoclasts, which are the cells that break down bone."

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radley77 t1_j7vfum9 wrote

Given what we know about bone mineral density being lost over time this stands to offer humans a better chance at long term space occupancy.

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Jessmom94 t1_j7vgz95 wrote

I saw a video on this and it sure would help a lot of people with osteoporosis. Not just those in space. Hope it continues to go somewhere. I know a little about this because of my family and current osteoporosis drugs only work to slow bone breakdown - not form new bone. People in space lose bone density at a faster rate I believe.

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tarkool OP t1_j7vojn1 wrote

Replying to radley77 (#1,763,677)

This becomes even more important if we want to start colonizing other planets. Also, this will open the door to humans being able to travel deeper into space for longer time periods. Imagine the possibilities if they were to solve this bone density issue with this experiment.

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tarkool OP t1_j7wqs7v wrote

Replying to Jessmom94 (#1,763,740)

Yes this is true, people in space do lose bone density at a faster rate. I stumbled across this article after researching information about Osteoporosis. I too have family member who has it and had gotten numerous fractures over the last few years.

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