A new study published on September 4 in the journal Cell Stem Cell suggests that going to space may accelerate the biological aging process. The study, which examined human stem cells during four space missions, revealed concerning changes.
Conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute and supported by NASA, the study found that blood cells exposed to space lost part of their capacity to generate healthy new cells and developed genetic damage—both markers of faster aging.
The findings highlight the urgent need to develop better ways of safeguarding astronauts’ health during long-duration missions, specially as we enter a new era of commercial space travel.
In the past five decades, fewer than 700 astronauts have flown into space. And from a young age, we are subjected to ideas of glory and gain when we think of what it would be like to become one of them. But here’s the truth: not only does it require a tremendous amount of professional training, but it also has a monumental impact on the human body.
Curious? Click through this gallery to find out how your body would react in zero gravity.