Tianzhou-7 mission brings bone density research unit to space

The Tianzhou-7 mission is carrying more than 60 science experimental units to the China Space Station, including a key life science unit on bone mineral density.

"We can see our astronauts doing physical exercises in space for several hours a day. This can exercise their muscles and also prevent their bone loss effectively, but in general, these are not enough because their bone loss in space for half a year is like that on earth for more than 10 years and even 20 years," said Shang Peng, a professor from Northwestern Polytechnical University.

He said that Chinese scientists have been working in this field for more than two decades, and for this mission, they have conducted many simulations.

"Our experimental equipment in space will guarantee the physical and chemical conditions for cell culture, like the replacement of nutrient fluid and gas for bone cells," he said.

"They also carry fluorescence microscope and ordinary light microscope to monitor the growth of the cells. Some of this information will be recorded and transmitted to the earth for analysis in real time and some in the future," the professor introduced.

Such an experiment is part of a large research project that involves years of participation by many institutions in various sectors, investigating matters such as the reasons for cell differentiation, according to Professor Wang Jinfu from Zhejiang University.

"We will do further projects in the operation phase of China Space Station. Based on these, we will develop relevant medicines and test them," Wang said.

"They will not only help astronauts in space but also humans on earth, particularly the elderly. This will be very meaningful," he stressed.

The Chinese scientists say they are cooperating with colleagues from other countries, hoping to find better ways to address bone loss problems for all.