Space Mice (& Rats)
Exploring Bone Strength with Medical Imaging, Computational Modeling, and Biomechanical Experimentation
Abstract:
NASA’s goals are to send humans to the Moon and Mars. One of the major health risks to Astronauts on these long duration spaceflights is the loss of bone strength due to the absence of gravity, as well as exposure to ionizing space radiation. Both the lack of loads and exposure to ionizing radiation are known to cause bone degeneration, which increases fracture risk. My research lab investigates skeletal changes in rodent models using high resolution microCT imaging, computational finite element modeling, and biomechanical experimentation. You’ll have to attend the presentation if you want to hear about mice launched on the last Space Shuttle Mission STS‐135 as well as rats exposed to simulated space radiation. Where else will you get to see a video of mice floating in space!
Bio:
Dr. Anthony Lau is in his 6th year in the Department of Biomedical Engineering 
at The College of New Jersey. He received his B.S.E. in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering at Duke University in 2005 and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia’s Center for Applied Biomechanics in 2011. His dissertation focused on developing micromechanical models of calcifying human cartilage. During his post‐doctoral training at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Lau received a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Space Biomedical Research Institute in 2012 for his proposed project investigating bone strength changes in mice that flew on the last space shuttle mission STS‐135. Dr. Lau is a recipient of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) Harold M. Frost Young Investigator Award as well as UNC Post‐ Doctoral Award for Research Excellence in 2014. His research interests include multi‐length scale biomechanics of biological tissues through biomechanical experimentation, medical image processing, and computational modeling.