This advancement might have a huge impact on the treatment of severe osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders on Earth.
“If human studies bear this out, BP-NELL-PEG could be a promising tool to combat bone loss and musculoskeletal deterioration, especially when conventional resistance training is not feasible due to injuries or other incapacitating factors,” said Kang Ting, co-co-principal investigator.
Reduced bone density in space
Scientists have been working hard to find potential solutions to the bone health risks linked with space flight. Various astronaut-based studies have already revealed that prolonged exposure to low-gravity conditions can lead to a loss in bone density.
Mechanical loading is a natural process that occurs on Earth that controls bone mass. Activities like stretching, weightlifting, exercise routines, and various movements exert physical forces and stresses on bones, triggering the process of bone remodeling and growth.