Modeling Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Density on Humans in Microgravity

Abstract

Astronauts lose 1-1.5% of bone mineral density every month in microgravity, or bone loss equivalent to two decades of ageing. A <2kg pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device yields decreased osteoclasts, increased bone recovery time by 40% (Cebrian, 2010) increases fracture healing by 46% (Mami, 1993). As most astronauts since the 1970s have not utilised PEMF in space currently. It is theorised long term 60day+ of PEMF holds potential to reduce bone loss or maintain 20-50% bone density in humans and mammals in microgravity. This literature review evaluates osteoporosis, bone remodelling in uG, MF effects on bone cells, osteoblasts and clasts, and genes. The first on-orbit pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) experiment is proposed on 2-4 humans or astronauts in LEO. Four <2-3kg BIOSTIM 12 wearable PEMF devices (Igea, 2022) pulse a low magnetic field (30-50Hz) for 8 hours per night, for 28-60+ days for localised treatment on shin bones in 2023. Biomedical analysis quantifies effects of bone loss associated symptoms and Ca2+ in blood in uG compared to control astronaut crew members. Without health data on astronauts in near null magnetic field, it is theorised bone mineralization, Ca2+ and P influx are further impacted beyond LEO in Near Null Magnetic Field (NNMF). As pre-osteoblasts & bone regeneration align more when parallel to direction of magnetic field lines, this may suggest that humans and organisms in LEO have increased bone regeneration when sleeping parallel to MF field lines. If PEMF device could maintain 40% bone density per month, this would yield 7.2-10.8% bone loss compared to up to 18% less bone after 1yr in uG and would suggest PEMF generators could provide life support for humans and organisms beyond Earth.