Osteocytes and Mechano-Transduction (Osteo-4)

ISS043E122574 (04/19/2015) --- ESA (European Space Station) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, a flight engineer on the International Space Station, is seen here unpacking the recently arrived Osteo-4 experiment which was carried up on Spacex’s sixth Dragon resupply mission. Osteo-4 is performing research on how microgravity effects changes in the most common cell found in human bones to protect the health of future astronauts. This research could also have implications for patients on Earth in the treatment of bone disorders related to disuse or immobilization, as well as metabolic diseases such as osteoporosis.