BAR HARBOR – The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded The Jackson Laboratory a grant of $892,530 to study the genetic and physiological reasons that some military soldiers are more susceptible to stress fractures than others.

The heavy physical activity in training and combat can increase the incidence of stress fractures among men and women in the armed forces.

According to Leah Rae Donahue, a Jackson Lab research scientist, the grant will help scientists develop ways to predict which people are likely to suffer stress fractures so the military can take actions to prevent possible injuries.

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit, genetic research facility.