View of Integrated Cardiovascular (ICV) Echo Ultrasound Scan,in the Columbus module. ICV aims to quantify the extent,time course and clinical significance of cardiac atrophy (decrease in the size of the heart muscle) in space. Photo was taken during Expedition 34.

iss065e257436 (Aug. 17, 2021) --- European Space Agency astronaut and Expedition 65 Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet works on sample preparation and installation for the Anti-Atrophy investigation. Muscle wasting affects both astronauts living in microgravity and people on Earth, particularly the elderly. This research examines how biomaterials that can either slow muscle atrophy or accelerate muscle growth could be used to supplement exercise as a countermeasure in space. It could also advance development of pharmaceuticals to prevent muscle atrophy for people on Earth.

iss065e277010 (Aug. 19, 2021) --- A view of cell samples for the Anti-Atrophy muscle investigation inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. The samples are being incubated and observed in the Cell Biology Experiment Facility to learn how to prevent and treat space-caused muscle atrophy and Earth-bound muscle conditions.

ISS047e032018 (04/01/2016) --- NASA astronaut Jeff Williams works to install the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Cell Mechanosensing Humidifier. Cell Mechanosensing is a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) investigation that identifies gravity sensors in skeletal muscle cells to develop countermeasures to muscle atrophy, a key space health issue. Scientists believe that the lack of mechanical stress from gravity causes tension fluctuations in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells which changes the expression of key proteins and genes, and allows muscles to atrophy.

iss065e277007 (Aug. 19, 2021) --- Expedition 65 Commander Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) services cell samples for the Anti-Atrophy muscle investigation inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. The samples are being incubated and observed in the Cell Biology Experiment Facility to learn how to prevent and treat space-caused muscle atrophy and Earth-bound muscle conditions.

iss065e277599 (Aug. 19, 2021) --- Expedition 65 Commander Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) services cell samples for the Anti-Atrophy muscle investigation inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. The samples are being incubated and observed in the Cell Biology Experiment Facility to learn how to prevent and treat space-caused muscle atrophy and Earth-bound muscle conditions.

iss054e001244 (Dec. 18, 2017) --- NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei installs a sample for the Zebrafish Muscle 2 experiment in the Kibo Japanese Experiment Pressurized Module (JPM) to study the effects of muscle atrophy in space.

iss050e012379 (11/29/2016) --- European Space Agency (ESA) Thomas Pesquet and Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov during the setup phase of the Sarcolab-3 Experiment, by configuring the Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES), in the Columbus Module.

ISS028-E-034978 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS028-E-035301 (31 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) hardware in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS028-E-034984 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

View of the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES),in the Columbus Module (COL1F3). MARES will carry out research on musculoskeletal,bio-mechanical,and neuromuscular human physiology. Photo was taken during Expedition 34.

ISS028-E-035603 (31 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) hardware in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss054e001241 (Dec. 18, 2017) --- NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei installs a sample for the Zebrafish Muscle 2 experiment in the Kibo Japanese Experiment Pressurized Module (JPM) to study the effects of muscle atrophy in space.

ISS028-E-034992 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS028-E-035002 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS028-E-034993 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS028-E-035566 (31 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) hardware in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS028-E-034980 (30 Aug. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs in-flight maintenance on the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS028-E-035617 (31 Aug. 2011) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, Expedition 28 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) hardware in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS024-E-014930 (16 Sept. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, Expedition 24 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES) hardware during installation of MARES payload in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS024-E-014981 (17 Sept. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, Expedition 24 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES) hardware during installation of MARES payload in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS034-E-014618 (3 Jan. 2013) --- Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield (left) and NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn, both Expedition 34 flight engineers, work with Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES) hardware in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS024-E-014973 (17 Sept. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, Expedition 24 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES) hardware during installation of MARES payload in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS047e038968 (04/05/2016) --- ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Tim Peake operates the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES) equipment inside the Columbus module. MARES is an ESA system that will be used for research on musculoskeletal, biomechanical, and neuromuscular human physiology to better understand the effects of microgravity on the muscular system.

iss052e024957 (Aug. 1, 2017) --- Astronaut Paolo Nespoli ingressed the Muscle Atrophy Research & Exercise System (MARES) chair in the Columbus module and adjusted pads and constraints for the Sarcolab-3 ankle protocol. The data collected for Sarcolab-3 will be compared to pre and postflight measurements to assess the impact of hypothesized microgravity induced muscle loss.

ISS024-E-014934 (16 Sept. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, Expedition 24 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES) hardware during installation of MARES payload in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS024-E-014956 (16 Sept. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Shannon Walker, Expedition 24 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES) hardware during installation of MARES payload in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

ISS024-E-014979 (17 Sept. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, Expedition 24 flight engineer, works with Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES) hardware during installation of MARES payload in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss065e242205 (Aug. 13, 2021) --- Expedition 65 Commander Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) inserts cell samples into the Kibo laboratory module's Cell Biology Experiment Facility. The cells are being observed for how they adapt to weightlessness as part of the Cell Gravisensing muscle atrophy study.

iss070e024806 (Nov. 14, 2023) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli processes cell samples for the Cell Gravisensing experiment aboard the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. The space biology investigation is exploring how cells sense gravity and may lead to improved therapies treating conditions such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis both on Earth and in space.

ISS040-E-130230 (9 Sept. 2014) --- European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 40 flight engineer, installs a microscope for the Cell Mechanosensing-2 experiment in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station. The Japanese experiment, which is conducted in Kibo’s Kobairo rack, seeks to identify gravity sensors in cells that may change the expression of key proteins and genes and allowing muscles to atrophy in microgravity.

European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst,Expedition 40 flight engineer,installs a microscope for the Cell Mechanosensing-2 experiment in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station. The Japanese experiment,which is conducted in Kibos Kobairo rack,seeks to identify gravity sensors in cells that may change the expression of key proteins and genes and allowing muscles to atrophy in microgravity.

iss070e027395 (Nov. 20, 2023) --- JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut and Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Satoshi Furukawa turns off a microscope in the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module and removes samples for the Cell Gravisensing space biology study. The investigation is exploring how cells sense gravity and may lead to improved therapies treating conditions such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis both on Earth and in space.

ISS040-E-130232 (9 Sept. 2014) --- European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 40 flight engineer, installs a microscope for the Cell Mechanosensing-2 experiment in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station. The Japanese experiment, which is conducted in Kibo’s Kobairo rack, seeks to identify gravity sensors in cells that may change the expression of key proteins and genes and allowing muscles to atrophy in microgravity.

iss070e100775 (2/25/2024) --- NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli runs on the T2 treadmill system on space station. Daily exercise is an important component of staying healthy in space. Without Earth’s gravity, bone and muscle atrophy or become smaller and weaker. On her left wrist, Moghbeli wears Actiwatch, a monitor that measures body metrics like sleep and heart rate.

ISS040-E-130233 (9 Sept. 2014) --- European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 40 flight engineer, installs a microscope for the Cell Mechanosensing-2 experiment in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station. The Japanese experiment, which is conducted in Kibo’s Kobairo rack, seeks to identify gravity sensors in cells that may change the expression of key proteins and genes and allowing muscles to atrophy in microgravity.

ISS040-E-130231 (9 Sept. 2014) --- European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 40 flight engineer, installs a microscope for the Cell Mechanosensing-2 experiment in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station. The Japanese experiment, which is conducted in Kibo’s Kobairo rack, seeks to identify gravity sensors in cells that may change the expression of key proteins and genes and allowing muscles to atrophy in microgravity.

The stimulus of gravity affects RNA production, which helps maintain the strength of human muscles on Earth (top), as seen in this section of muscle fiber taken from an astronaut before spaceflight. Astronauts in orbit and patients on Earth fighting muscle-wasting diseases need countermeasures to prevent muscle atrophy, indicated here with white lipid droplets (bottom) in the muscle sample taken from the same astronaut after spaceflight. Kerneth Baldwin of the University of California, Irvine, is conducting research on how reducing the stimulus of gravity affects production of the RNA that the body uses as a blueprint for making muscle proteins. Muscle proteins are what give muscles their strength, so when the RNA blueprints aren't available for producing new proteins to replace old ones -- a situation that occurs in microgravity -- the muscles atrophy. When the skeletal muscle system is exposed to microgravity during spaceflight, the muscles undergo a reduced mass that translates to a reduction in strength. When this happens, muscle endurance decreases and the muscles are more prone to injury, so individuals could have problems in performing extravehicular activity [space walks] or emergency egress because their bodies are functionally compromised.

iss050e012767 (11/29/2016) --- European Space Agency (ESA) Thomas Pesquet and Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov during the setup phase of the Sarcolab-3 Experiment, by deploying and configuring the Muscle Atrophy Resistive Exercise System (MARES), in the Columbus Module. Myotendinous and Neuromuscular Adaptation to Long-term Spaceflight (Sarcolab) investigates the adaptation and deterioration of the soleus, or calf muscle, where it joins the Achilles tendon, which links it to the heel and carries loads from the entire body. Muscle fiber samples are taken from crew members before and after flight, and analyzed for changes in structural and chemical properties.

iss059e059071 (5/7/2019) --- Photo documentation of the 12 Nano Antioxidants Experiment Containers in Kubik 5 marking the start of the experiment run in the Columbus module aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The aim of the Nano Antioxidants investigation is to research innovative approaches for cellular stimulation to counteract the negative effects of long-term microgravity on the musculoskeletal system. There are numerous possible applications of this research project in other crucial social domains, such as healthcare of the elderly and of people with muscle atrophy disorders, through the implementation of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of diseases involving oxidative stress as causing factor.

iss059e059049 (5/7/2019) --- Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut David Saint-Jacques is photographed during the installation of the Nano Antioxidants Experiment Containers in Kubik 5 aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The aim of the Nano Antioxidants investigation is to research innovative approaches for cellular stimulation to counteract the negative effects of long-term microgravity on the musculoskeletal system. There are numerous possible applications of this research project in other crucial social domains, such as healthcare of the elderly and of people with muscle atrophy disorders, through the implementation of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of diseases involving oxidative stress as causing factor.

iss068e028286 (Dec. 1, 2022) --- Expedition 68 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration (JAXA) works on the Neural Integration System investigation. The investigation uses nematodes (also known as roundworms) to examine how microgravity affects the nervous system. Previous experiments have shown that the C. elegans nematode species experiences muscle atrophy and reduced motor activity and metabolism in microgravity. Research also has shown that space can affect the nervous system, and neural networks may transmit the effects of microgravity throughout the body. Results could support development of countermeasures to protect crew members on future space missions and contribute to better health for Earth’s aging population.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Inside a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency scientist prepares samples for the Molecular Mechanism of Microgravity-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy – Physiological Relevance of Cbl-b Ubiquitin Ligase, or MyoLab, experiment. MyoLab will be delivered to the International Space Station aboard Discovery on the STS-131 mission. MyoLab will study a rat muscle gene modified cell line to determine the effects of microgravity. The MyoLab experiment is one of several biology and biotechnology, human research, physical, materials science and technology experiments that will be delivered to the space station aboard Discovery. The STS-131 mission also will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with resupply stowage platforms and science racks. STS-131, scheduled to launch at 6:21 a.m. on April 5, will be the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall. For more information on the mission and crew, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_shuttle_shuttlemissions_sts131_index.htm. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Inside a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency scientists prepare samples for the Molecular Mechanism of Microgravity-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy – Physiological Relevance of Cbl-b Ubiquitin Ligase, or MyoLab, experiment. MyoLab will be delivered to the International Space Station aboard Discovery on the STS-131 mission. MyoLab will study a rat muscle gene modified cell line to determine the effects of microgravity. The MyoLab experiment is one of several biology and biotechnology, human research, physical, materials science and technology experiments that will be delivered to the space station aboard Discovery. The STS-131 mission also will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with resupply stowage platforms and science racks. STS-131, scheduled to launch at 6:21 a.m. on April 5, will be the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall. For more information on the mission and crew, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_shuttle_shuttlemissions_sts131_index.htm. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann