The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging’s (RIA) newest Research Scientist and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Health, Carmelo Mastrandrea, recently won the poster competition at the NASA Human Research Program Investigators’ Workshop in Galveston, Texas. More than 300 posters were on display at the workshop. His presentation, “Altered tibial haemodynamics following 2-weeks of six-degree head-down bedrest in older adults,” showcased a novel experiment measuring blood flow and oxygenation of the lower leg bone during walking and changes in posture. The study, organized by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Space Agency, involved 12 adults aged 55-65 years old. Co-authors on the paper were PhD student Eric Hedge, Professor Laurence Vico from France, and Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health, Richard Hughson.

Mastrandrea’s findings suggest that oxygenation of the lower leg bone was reduced after a period of bedrest, potentially contributing to bone loss. This groundbreaking research could significantly impact the health-care industry, especially for older adults who may be at risk for bone loss due to physical inactivity.

Mastrandrea’s recognition by NASA only adds to the importance of this research, highlighting the crucial role that the RIA is playing in advancing our understanding of the human body and its response to aging and various physical conditions.