Janis E. Davis-Street

Bone markers, calcium metabolism, and calcium kinetics during extended-duration space flight on the Mir Space Station

Bone loss is a current limitation for long‐term space exploration. Bone markers, calcitropic hormones, and calcium kinetics of crew members on space missions of 4–6 months were evaluated. Spaceflight‐induced bone loss was associated with increased bone resorption and decreased calcium absorption.

Evaluation of Treadmill Exercise in a Lower Body Negative Pressure Chamber as a Countermeasure for Weightlessness‐Induced Bone Loss: A Bed Rest Study With Identical Twins

Counteracting bone loss is required for future space exploration. We evaluated the ability of treadmill exercise in a LBNP chamber to counteract bone loss in a 30‐day bed rest study. Eight pairs of identical twins were randomly assigned to sedentary control or exercise groups. Exercise within LBNP decreased the bone resorption caused by bed rest and may provide a countermeasure for spaceflight.

Nutrition in Space

Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory (NBL) is one of the Life Sciences Reascarch Laboratories at the Johnson space Center in Houston. The primary responsibility of the NBL is the definition of the nutritional requirements for long-term space flight. To this end, studies have been conducted of energy, protein, and calcium metabolism as well as fluid and electrolyte homeostasis, and red blood cell synthesis and metabolism during space flight. The NBL is also charged with conducting nutritional assessment before, during, and after extended-duration missions to ensure maintenance of crew health for missions longer than 30 days.