Only six degrees separate you from zero gravity, or at least from its
thrilling physiological side effects. According to recent research,
lolling around for several weeks in a bed inclined six degrees—with
your head at the low end—mimics the muscle atrophy and bone
degeneration associated with spaceflight. This shortcut to zero
gravity may help researchers study the physiological implications of a
trip to Mars. Sure, muscle and bone loss isn't usually the highlight
of a trip to space, but a few weeks in bed is a lot cheaper than a
ticket on Virgin Galactic. —Eric Mika