BONES IN SPACE Mawson Lakes School

Background to Research:

Space travel has a negative effect on the human body due to the vacuum of outer space, Ionised Radiation and temperature. When astronauts return to Earth they are faced with several health problems. The loss of bone density and muscle atrophy are obviously seen as astronauts are placed on chairs and carried from the returning landing craft. All astronauts take calcium tablets to slow the onset of osteoporosis and exercise on specially constructed equipment to maintain muscle integrity. Muscles and bones operate differently on Earth as they are influenced by gravity. After 180 days in space muscular strength can decrease by 11-17% and bone mineral density by 2-7% according to NASA. We were interested in studying the long-term effect of microgravity on bones as any additional information could help us understand osteoporosis.

Our own bone experiments have provided us with a lot of information. We placed 3 chicken bones in a vinegar solution for 8 weeks.

We were then able to see what would happen to the bones if we compressed, stretched and bent them.

Aim of research/data collection:

The aim of this experiment is to gain an understanding of how the deformation of bones in space under compression and tension is different to that on Earth over an extended period of time.

What and how to measure.

To successfully run this experiment and collect data, Strain Gauges will be used to measure the bone deformation under the 3 types of loading. 1. Compression 2. Tension 3. Normal (Control). The same amount of force will be applied to bones on Earth and also measured with a Strain Gauge. The data can then be compared to see how the same experimental conditions affect the bones from Earth and the bones from space.

Temperature affects the strain of materials therefore the temperature will need to be kept constant for both the Earth experiment and the space experiment inside the experiment capsule. Temperature will also be measured inside the space capsule. Sensors could be used to visually measure changes in the bones.

The data will be collected via a supplied Ethernet cable

Strain Gauges measure the strain on an object using a metallic foil attached to the bone. As the bone is deformed, the foil is deformed, causing its electrical resistance to change. This resistance change is usually measured using a Wheatstone Bridge.

Measure data to be collected:

Strain Visual – optical density measurement Temperature – strain can be affected by temperature

Southcott Hydraulic and Control Systems have designed the potential ‘experiment capsule’

First design

VOLUME:

1 litre is 1000cm^3 10cm x 10cm x 10cm max space for experiment or equivalent to fit the 1000cm^3 size

MASS: 290 grams

Material: Black Acetyl and Aluminum

Second expanded design

Measurement: Length 140mm

Height 70mm

Width 100mm

Usefulness of data and practicality to society:

Data is useful because we can potentially understand the link between bone degradation in space compared to Earth.

We have chosen to use 2 types of load bearing animal bones. Pig bones, because their immune system is similar to humans and Bird bones because their bones are light, hollow and strong.

As the data will be collected on ISS and Earth the comparison in real time can be accurately assessed.

Linkages to Industry –

Southcott Hydraulics and Control Systems Pty Ltd are an engineering design and manufacturing company with strong links to South Australian manufacturing

UNISA is a university based in Mawson Lakes SA , within walking distance of the school.

Researchsat is a startup company which provides satellite platforms and services for microbiology, chemistry and physics research experiments in a micro gravity environment.

Additional expertise provided by Dr. Gordon Cable AM Chairman: Space life Sciences Committee

Makul Singla- Therapia

Development of the Idea through the engineering design process

Originally the idea was to see how bones look suspended in space but it has now turned into an experiment which can measure data and can possibly be used to advance our understanding of how bones are affected by radiation, temperature change and microgravity.

STEM STEM learning has occurred through a range of disciplines. We have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that the Human body faces living in a micro gravity environment. All curriculum areas were involved as our investigations deepened. At first, we investigated the environment of the International Space Station and how astronauts adapted to the physical challenges. We researched the history of space travel and looked at individual Astronauts time spent in space and the health implications on their return to Earth. As our knowledge expanded, we focused on Bones and osteoporosis in Space and on Earth. Collecting data and tracking changes in Bone structure over a one-year period, both in Space and on Earth became the focus of our investigation. Collecting and analysing data provides many learning opportunities within the curriculum – and expands our skills enabling us to become powerful learners.

STEM Cycle process Identifying the need - Astronauts health would be improved if bone density and muscle atrophy could be controlled more adequately.

Investigating- Through researching and talking to leaders in their field of space science we understood the issues more clearly and the possibilities of our research on bones.

Imagining- We developed a possible solution to the collection of data to further our understanding of different types of bones.

Planning- we consulted and reviewed the variables needed for a successful prototype and gathered our expert team.

We are looking forward to Creating and building a prototype in the next stage. Testing and evaluating the prototype and involving as many people as possible in the ongoing process of researching and communicating our understanding.

Written by the Bones in Space Team

Bone experiment carried out by Jesse

Idea of Bones under tension, contraction and control given by Makul Singla in a general discussion.