NASA is preparing to conduct a new experiment on the International Space Station (ISS) using a Rodent Habitat that has been modified from the ones used on space shuttle missions. The Rodent Habitat will allow for studies on mice and rats to be conducted on a longer time scale of up to a month or more. The first experiment, called Rodent Research-1, is a demonstration to verify that the habitat is functional and can support the animals for several months. The experiment will also test other equipment, such as a Bone Densitometer, which measures bone loss in mice during space flight. The results of these experiments will provide valuable information for human spaceflight and aging and disease research. The SpaceX-4 mission will deliver all the necessary equipment for the experiment to the ISS, and future experiments are already planned for 2015.
https://spaceflight101.com/iss/rodent-habitat/