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Effects of spaceflight on body
Why is it in news?
- A NASA study of a U.S. astronaut who spent a year in space while his twin brother remained on the earth is providing insights into the effects of spaceflight on the human body.
More in news
- The researchers who carried out the “NASA Twins Study” found that most of the changes to Mr. Scott’s body during his time in space returned to normal within months of his return to the earth- although not all of them.
- Lead for interplanetary travel: The findings were encouraging to scientists and engineers envisioning interplanetary travel such as an eventual trip to Mars, a mission that could last two to three years.
- Comprehensive study:(1) The study is the most comprehensive review of the response of the human body to spaceflight ever conducted.(2) It will guide future biomedical space research and allow to have a safer journey to and from Mars.(3) Using Mr. Mark as a baseline, 84 researchers at 12 universities documented the molecular, cognitive and physiological effects of Mr. Scott’s year in space.
- Main findings:(1) Mr. Scott carotid artery wall became thicker early in flight and remained so throughout the mission whereas Mr. Mark did not have any such thickening.(2) Mr. Scott lost 7% of his body mass during his time on the ISS, possibly due to poorer nutrition in space and a lack of exercise, while Mr. Mark gained about 4%.
Source
The Hindu