Burning Astronaut Pee - Smarter Every Day 149

TL;DR

Astronauts use a device called the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) to simulate weightlifting in space, which helps prevent muscle loss and maintain bone density.

Transcript

Hey it's me Destin, welcome back to Smarter Every Day When I make a video, I normally ask a question and have a pretty good idea - - of where that question is going to take me. This one is way different. We're going to start in a weight room and we are going to end up deep in the bowels of Johnson Space Center, where we meet a lady who literally bu... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 In space, astronauts face muscle and bone loss due to the lack of gravity, which can lead to various health problems.
• 🏋️ The ARED machine allows astronauts to lift weights in a weightless environment by using vacuum and lever systems.
• ☠️ Bone density maintenance is crucial in space, as astronauts can lose a significant amount of bone density without exercise and proper skeletal loading.
• ☠️ Astronauts can lose up to 2.5% of their bone density per month, but the ARED machine helps maintain bone health.
• 👨‍🚀 Research conducted at NASA's Johnson Space Center on urine samples from astronauts sheds light on the impact of space on bone health.
• 👨‍🚀 The lessons learned from studying astronaut bone health can have applications beyond space travel, benefiting people on Earth, particularly the elderly.
• 👨‍🚀 The ARED machine has shown promising results in maintaining bone mineral density in astronauts, making long-duration space missions like going to Mars more feasible.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the ARED machine simulate weightlifting in a weightless environment?

The ARED machine uses vacuum and lever systems to provide constant force similar to weightlifting on Earth. By creating a vacuum and using pistons and rods, it allows astronauts to lift weights in space.

Q: Why is bone density important in space?

Without proper bone density maintenance, astronauts can lose 2 to 2.5% of their bone density per month, which can be detrimental to their health. Loading the bone stimulates bone growth and helps prevent bone loss.

Q: What happens to the minerals from bone density that astronauts lose in space?

The majority of the minerals lost through bone density loss in space are excreted through urine. Scientists at NASA's Johnson Space Center study urine samples to understand the impact of space on bone health.

Q: How does the ARED machine benefit astronauts' health?

The ARED machine helps prevent muscle and bone loss in astronauts by simulating weightlifting exercises. This helps maintain muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of disease-like symptoms and bone fractures.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Astronauts face muscle and bone loss in space due to the lack of gravity, which can lead to disease-like symptoms.

• The ARED is a machine that allows astronauts to lift weights in a weightless environment using vacuum and lever systems.

• Bone density is crucial in space, as astronauts can lose up to 2.5% of their bone density per month, but ARED helps maintain proper skeletal loading.