His recent research concerns gravity effects on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems of humans and animals. Dr. Hargens has edited seven books and published more than 270 peer-reviewed articles, 50 chapters, 40 NASA Reports, and 620 abstracts in general areas of comparative physiology, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal physiology, and orthopaedic surgery. He also holds eight patents. He is the recipient of a NIH Research Career Development Award, Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Orthopaedic Research Society, Recognition Award from the American Physiology Society, and two NASA Honor Awards.