Astronauts susceptible to kidney stones.

• Position: Outer Space - Nanobacteria - Brief Article

Nanobacteria (NB), a novel self-replicating, mineralizing agent, has been identified by NASA scientists as a potential culprit in kidney stone formation among astronauts. With the possibility of future exploratory space missions to the moon and Mars and exposure to the elements of outer space, health is a major concern for astronauts.

NB was discovered in the 1990s and has been found in the calcium phosphate centers of kidney stones. This novel agent also has been detected in related conditions, including Alzheimer's and heart disease, prostatitis, and some cancers. Testing for the presence of NB can help reduce the risk for kidney stone formation in astronauts and also would be of benefit to the nearly 1,000,000 Americans who are treated for the condition each year.

To further comprehend its implications, trials were conducted in a bioreactor chamber that simulates conditions...