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Published on November 27, 2020 17:25
Space travel impacts the body’s cell production, the study says
(Web Desk) – According to a nematode study, living in space affects cells at the genetic level. Analysis of nematode worm species, known as Caenorhabditis elegans, which were sent to the International Space Station, revealed “subtle changes” in nearly 1,000 genes, with stronger effects observed among cells in the nervous system.
The researchers believe their findings could help understand why humans and other living organisms experience physical decline in space.
Timothy Etheridge, of the University of Exeter, said, “We looked at the levels of each gene in the worm genome and identified a clear pattern of genetic change.
“These changes could help explain why the body reacts poorly to spaceflight.
Astronauts can lose up to 40% of their muscle mass when they spend six months or more in space.
Over the years, the space station’s extreme spaceflight environment has given scientists the opportunity to study physiological changes in humans.
Worms, which are about 1mm in size, are known to share many of the biological characteristics of humans.
They are also affected by the biological changes caused by life in space, which includes changes in muscle mass and the ability to use energy.
The study exposed low-gravity worms on the space station and high-gravity worms in centrifuges.
Lead author Craig Willis of the University of Exeter said, We have identified genes with roles in neuronal function and cellular metabolism that are affected by gravitational changes.
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