NASA’s space program has yielded a number of spinoffs. From advances in medicine, engineering, transportation, public safety, consumer goods to other fields, NASA spinoffs have improved the quality of life for astronauts, as well as for ordinary citizens on earth (Inside 2016). One of NASA’s latest spinoff advances has been in the field of osteoporosis research and treatments (Inside 2016). NASA-inspired osteoporosis research will help prevent or minimize bone loss in future astronauts, elderly people, and even cancer patients.
Already, scientists have discovered that astronauts require regular exercise and specially-formulated foods to help prevent bone loss. For example, in 2008, a new type of exercise machine was installed in the International Space Station (NASA). Called the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), the resistance machine helps astronauts exercise without using weights (which would be useless in outer space, anyway), thereby strengthening their skeletons, helping prevent bone density loss (NASA). In addition, studies have found that astronauts are benefitting from scientifically-formulated foods, foods that contain more ideal ratios of protein and potassium, integral ingredients in helping slow down bone loss in outer space (NASA). Scientists have also discovered that, by tweaking sodium intake while aboard the ISS, astronauts return to earth in a hardier condition – showing off a stronger skeleton and less muscle atrophy (NASA).
Thus, astronauts are already benefitting from space-based interventions that help stave off common terrestrial illnesses, such as osteoporosis.
Our elderly are the most common sufferers of the debilitating illness of osteoporosis. Just as with astronauts, the illness weakens bones and joints, increasing the likelihood of fractures. Scientists have identified a key protein that breaks down our bones (McKeough). As a result of the necessity to find treatments and/or cures for elderly sufferers from osteoporosis, the protein (called sclerostin) has led to the discovery that certain antibodies can block its formation, thereby reducing the bone loss caused by osteoporosis (McKeough). Moreover, this spinoff has led to other avenues of research for its sufferers (McKeogh).
Other spinoffs have led to vigorous research in breast cancer sufferers. Typically, women who have been treated for breast cancer deal with osteoporosis later in life (NIH). As women age, their estrogen levels lower, causing an increased susceptibility to the ravages of osteoporosis (NIH). To compound issues, women who have been treated for breast cancer are much more likely to also suffer from osteoporosis in later life – through physiologic mechanisms that are still unknown (NIH). Often, however, breast cancer is a direct result of lowered estrogen levels directly caused by ovarian loss due to surgery and/or chemotherapy (NIH). Certainly, NASA’s pioneering efforts to prevent osteoporosis in astronauts will create a domino effect, which will (similar to elderly sufferers) help earth-bound breast cancer patients fight osteoporosis.
NASA spinoffs, such as novel treatments, for osteoporosis, have dramatically influenced progress made in medicine. While intended for astronauts, pioneering advances in the treatment of osteoporosis have spun off, and inspired research avenues for a variety of patients on earth. NASA spinoffs, such as novel medical treatments for mysterious illnesses, are but one example of how NASA’s space program benefits humanity as a whole.
Works Cited
Inside 2016. “Rodent Research Contributes to Osteoporosis Treatments.” NASA Spinoff. 2016. Web. 24 Jul. 2016.
McKeough, Kevin. “Bone Lost in Space.” Rush University. 18 Jul. 2016. Web. 24 Jul. 2016.
NASA. “Good Diet, Proper Exercise Help Protect Astronauts’ Bones.” Science Daily. 24 Aug. 2012. Web. 24 Jul. 2016.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). “What Breast Cancer Survivors Need to Know About Osteoporosis.” NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. Apr. 2016. Web. 24 Jul. 2016.
