Project Description: We have recently developed a technology that uses wireless battery-free sensors to measure in vivo bone strain (deformation) during normal gait as well as bone density. We are currently doing long-term testing on these devices to see how bone strain and mineral content changes over time. The student will initially be involved with this project by assisting with measurement collection from devices during treadmill walking. Once the student is comfortable collecting and analyzing measurements, they will work with a new treadmill designed by Engineering students to test the effects of surface composition (sand vs moon regolith vs mars regolith) and reduced gravity on bone strain and mineral density. The overall goal of this project is to determine whether this technology will be beneficial to monitor bone quality in astronauts during long duration space missions.
NASA Relevance: The overall goal of this project is to determine whether this technology will be beneficial to monitor bone quality in astronauts during long duration space missions.
Work Description:
- Measurement collection during animal gait on a treadmill.
- Data analysis of measurements there were collected.
- Analysis of bone structure and bone to implant bonding using micro-CT and histology.
Open or Reserved Project: Open, 2 positions