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According to recent reports from international media, scientists from King’s College London (KCL) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an innovative type of space tights designed to help astronauts maintain their muscle and bone health in microgravity environments. This is a critical issue since prolonged exposure to zero gravity can lead to significant loss of bone density and muscle mass, which poses serious risks for long-term space missions.
Phil Carvil, a researcher at KCL’s Human and Aerospace Physiological Sciences Research Center, explained that without the natural stress of Earth’s gravity, astronauts’ bones and muscles begin to deteriorate. Currently, astronauts spend about two and a half hours each day on rigorous exercise routines to combat this, but even with these efforts, they still experience bone loss—only at a slower rate. To address this challenge, the new tights were developed as a more effective solution.
The technology behind the tights works by applying controlled pressure to the body, simulating the effects of Earth’s gravity. This helps maintain the necessary mechanical stimulation that muscles and bones need to stay strong. The design is not only beneficial for astronauts but could also have applications for people on Earth, such as helping the elderly prevent age-related bone loss and improving mobility for those with mobility issues.
It is expected that the tights will be tested in space for the first time in 2015 by astronaut Andreas Mogensen aboard the International Space Station. If the initial tests are successful, British astronaut Tim Peake, who is scheduled to go to space in 2016, may also use the suit during his mission. This development marks a major step forward in space medicine and could significantly improve the health and safety of future space travelers.
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