Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
On January 29, a spacecraft launched into space from the US state of Florida. Scientists prepared stem cells for the flight to test how a lack of gravity could affect bone loss.
Astronauts always return to Earth with weaker bones because space has no gravity.
Scientists hope to use this project to test therapeutic agents that can prevent or treat bone loss for astronauts and everyday people. The stem cells used for this research are important for tissue repair and regeneration.
This project could help treat osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones, as well as medical patients whose bones weaken from staying in bed.
The second part of this research will be conducted in another space flight.
