Measuring the Effects of High-Altitude Flight and Upper Atmospheric Radiation on Muscle Cells

Authors

• Lori M. Caldwell, Utah State UniversityFollow
• Annelise Dykes, Utah State University
• Katherine Glaittli, Utah State University
• Charles Harding, Utah State University

Document Type

Poster

Journal/Book Title/Conference

College of Engineering Senior Design Projects

Publisher

Utah State University

Location

Logan, UT

Publication Date

2017

Abstract

As longer space missions become more desirable to public and private institutions, the physiological impact on astronauts must be considered. One of the primary concerns for those spending time in low-gravity environments is the eventual loss of muscle tissue due to atrophy, because a decreased force pulling on muscle fibers leads to marked atrophy in as little as nine days¹ (Fig. 1). This debilitating loss of muscle makes it difficult for homeward-bound astronauts, who are returning to full gravity, to regain their physical strength.

Recommended Citation

Caldwell, Lori M.; Dykes, Annelise; Glaittli, Katherine; and Harding, Charles, "Measuring the Effects of High-Altitude Flight and Upper Atmospheric Radiation on Muscle Cells" (2017). Biological Engineering. Paper 4.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bioengr_srdesign/4