About This Project

We are actively trying to figure out if space flight affects mouse tendon in terms of stiffness and strength. We are using animal samples granted from NASA which has been exposed to the harsh environment of 0 gravity and measuring force data through atomic force microscopy. This can better prevent astronauts from injury on prolonged missions in space, such as the voyage to Mars!

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Overall, our group is trying to figure out how microgravity might affect tendon size and function after spaceflight. Although there is tons of research showing how spaceflight affects muscle, tendons are under-researched. It is important to understand how are tendons adapt to the microgravity environment since they are a crucial part of the musculoskeletal system. Previous research has shown that tendons lose stiffness over time in the spaceflight environment. Essentially, this makes the tendon more stretchy, which ultimately leads to decreases in the efficiency of locomotion and increase the risk of injury. Our research aims to understand the extent of the changes that occur in tendon to increase the efficiency of prescribed countermeasures.

What is the significance of this project?

With an increase in space travel due to charters such as SpaceX and prospected NASA missions, the understanding of spaceflight on the human body is of the highest importance in rehabilitating the consequences of zero gravity. Current studies that investigate changes in tendon structure and function after microgravity have only been done on ground-based models. This will be the first study to measure changes in tendon function (at the nanoscopic level) with tissue that has been directly exposed to microgravity. We will investigate this question by comparing the elasticity of the ground control and spaceflight tendons at the nanoscopic level. Data will be acquired utilizing a new atomic force microscopy technique pioneered by our lab.

What are the goals of the project?

To provide insight on the nanoscopic changes in the collagen fibrils of tendon tissue after long periods of spaceflight. By investigating the changes that occur at the nanoscopic level, we can get better insight on the changes that occur at the whole-tendon level. This can ultimately lead to better insight on proper countermeasures to reduce musculoskeletal injuries after spaceflight.