The new skinsuit developed by King’s College London is far from “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” This special skinsuit, which was developed with help from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), could help counteract the degradation of bone and muscle mass during long term exposure to microgravity.
The conditions of space can be harmful to the backs, and can result in a slipped disc back on Earth.
“Here on Earth we are constantly resisting gravity, meaning that even by sitting and walking around we’re exercising our muscles and bones,” said Phil Carvil of the Centre of Human & Aerospace Physiological Sciences (CHAPS) at King’s College. “In space the loading effect of gravity is removed and as a consequence, astronauts’ bones and muscles aren’t getting the natural forces they need to keep them healthy.”
The skinsuit could also be used on Earth to counteract the effects of ageing on bone density and muscle mass.
[Via King’s College: ‘Skinsuit’ to help astronauts avoid back problems in space]