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Space exploration can have negative effects on living organisms. Significant negative effects of long-term weightlessness include muscle atrophy and skeletal deterioration. Other notable effects include a slowdown in the functions of the cardiovascular system, a decrease in the production of red blood cells, balance disturbances, visual disturbances and changes in the immune system.
There is no doubt that space does mysterious things to a body. Many studies reveal cellular changes in the spinal cord, eyes and brain that, in many cases, resemble deterioration due to diseases on Earth, particularly those related to aging.
What exactly happens to your body in space?
A new study from the University of Exeter and NASA’s GeneLab appears to have found the answer. The research could help understand why living organisms, including humans, undergo physical decline in space.
The study involves an experiment on space worms. Genetic analysis of Caenorhabditis elegans worms on the International Space Station showed “subtle changes” in about 1,000 genes.
Scientists have observed strong effects in some genes, especially between neurons. It indicates that living in low gravity affects cells at the genetic level.
Dr 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. “
“It also provides us with some therapeutic goals in terms of reducing these health effects, which are currently a major barrier to deep space exploration.”
During the experiment, the scientists exposed the worms to low gravity on the International Space Station and to high gravity in centrifuges.
High-gravity testing provided analysts with more insight into the genetic impacts of gravity and allowed them to search for potential drugs using high gravity in space.
Lead author Craig Willis of the University of Exeter said: “A crucial step towards overcoming any physiological condition is first of all understanding its underlying molecular mechanism. We have identified genes with roles in neuronal function and cellular metabolism that are affected by gravitational changes. “
“These worms exhibit molecular signatures and physiological characteristics that closely mirror those seen in humans, so our findings should provide the basis for a better understanding of space flight-induced health decline in mammals and ultimately humans.”
Dr Etheridge added: “This study highlights the ongoing role of scientists from Europe and the UK in life science research of space flight.”
Journal reference:
- Craig RG Willis et al. Comparative transcriptomics identifies neuronal and metabolic adaptations to hypergravity and microgravity in Caenorhabditis elegans. DOI: 10.1016 / j.isci.2020.101734
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