Space Suit Prototype May Prevent Bone Loss in Astronauts

Currently, astronauts lose 1-2% bone mass for each month that they are in space despite their required exercise regimens. This could prove to be a major issue during future flights (such as to Mars) that may take years. This new suit is designed to imitate the pull of gravity on the body, although the current design does not exert enough force on the lower legs. This is achieved by making the suit slightly shorter than normal and adding elastic stirrups that go around the wearer's feet. The pull exerts a force on the body that should theoretically reduce bone loss.

I found this article interesting because this has always been a major issue in space flight, and is even more so now that long term flights are being considered. This could be the future of space travel!

Source: http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-10/superhero-style-skin-tight-spacesuit-provides-healthy-compression-astronauts