Space Travel Bad for Astronauts' Bones

A new study investigated how astronauts' bones compare to those of Earthbound folks over time, and the results are not encouraging for space travelers.

Scientists have known for years that exposure to microgravity rapidly weakens bones, and the new research shows the effects can last for a year or more after astronauts return to Earth. The results stress the need to find ways to minimize the damage done during long-duration space travel, researchers said, because bone recovery on Earth may take a while.

"If we can intervene in space and have crewmembers not lose as much, that would be the best outcome for them," said study leader Shreyasee Amin, an associate professor at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.…

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