I had mixed feelings when I spotted this piece about sending bone specimens into space to research the effects of zero-gravity on bone health. While the research is undeniably fascinating and could prove to be helpful to astronauts who endure long periods of time in weightlessness, I am skeptical whether this study will have much practical application for the millions who live with osteoporosis and osteopenia today and who have never been in outer orbit.

The link between this experiment and the effects of weightbearing exercise on Earth seems tenuous at best. Hopefully I'm wrong, though, and the results of this joint Canadian-European venture will surprise and help all of us concerned about bone health. For more on this, go to http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070830/bones_space_070830/20070830?hub=Health