The Levitating Mouse
A few very disoriented mice could hold the keys to safer space
travel. Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, led
by Yuanming Liu, have figured out how to make the tiny critters
float in midair using magnets. The effects of the levitation
on the mice could provide insight into how to prevent adverse
health effects — like bone loss — on astronauts
who spend long periods of time in low gravity. According to
the scientists who conducted the experiment, the weightless
mice were initially confused and flung themselves into rapid
spins. The scientists sedated the rodents, which helped, but
said eventually even fully conscious mice were able to acclimate
to the weightless conditions enough to eat and drink normally.
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