DNA Study Reveals That Space Permanently Changes The Human Body

Key Points:

• NASA conducted a year-long study involving astronaut twins Scott and Mark Kelly to investigate the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body, with Scott spending 340 days aboard the International Space Station while Mark remained on Earth.
• The study found subtle but significant physiological and molecular changes in Scott, including increased height, muscle loss, slower aging indicated by telomere lengthening, and altered gene expression, with about 7% of his genes showing changes even six months after returning to Earth.
• Cognitive performance related to accuracy and speed declined in Scott during and after spaceflight, highlighting potential risks for astronauts on extended missions and underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures.
• While many changes reverted to normal after Scott's return, 811 genes linked to immune function and DNA repair remained altered, suggesting long-term effects of space travel that require further investigation.
• As the first twin study of its kind, NASA emphasizes the need for additional research with more subjects to determine if these findings are broadly applicable and to better prepare for future deep-space missions.