MICROGRAVITY EFFECTS ON BODY
Mushrooms sent to space return to Earth & end up in pasta: Australian researchers send lion’s mane, turkey’s tail and cordyceps to the ISS, then watch what happens when they return
Mushrooms sent to space return to Earth & end up in pasta: Australian scientists sent fungal mycelium to the International Space Station as part of an experiment to study how edible fungi respond to space conditions. After the samples returned to Earth, researchers successfully cultivated lion's mane mushrooms and later used them to prepare a creamy pasta sauce. The experiment could help scientists better understand whether fungi can remain viable after spaceflight and explore their potential role in sustainable food production during future long-duration space missions.
In 1998, scientists sent 4 pregnant swordtail fish and 200 babies into space; near the end of the mission, the fish suddenly began swimming in continuous loops
In an unprecedented experiment in 1998, swordtail fish were launched into orbit on the space shuttle Endeavor to explore how life persists without gravity. They initially thrived, swimming well in their custom habitat. However, by the ninth day, they began to exhibit looping movements, a reaction caused by the absence of gravity. Once back on Earth, the fish experienced a brief phase of clumsiness but quickly regained their swimming abilities.
In 2014, NASA astronauts used an ordinary tape measure during six-month ISS missions; the Body Measures data later entered requirements for NASA's xEMU spacesuit
In 2014, astronauts aboard the International Space Station conducted body measurements to study the impact of microgravity on human physiology. This research provided NASA critical insights that shaped the design of future spacesuits. Utilizing basic tools such as tape measures was instrumental in making significant engineering improvements. Ultimately, this work plays a vital role in ensuring safety for astronauts and the success of upcoming lunar missions.
In 1997, Japanese researchers flew silkworm eggs on STS-84 to study spaceflight effects; developmental abnormalities were more frequent in the flight samples
Silkworm eggs revealed developmental abnormalities in early space experiments. Later, the Rad Silk investigation examined cosmic radiation's long-term effects on the ISS. Ground-based trials showed that radiation during early embryonic development caused higher mutation rates. Visible white spots on larvae indicated radiation exposure levels inside spacecraft. These findings offer insights into radiation's impact on developing organisms beyond Earth.
In 2006, NASA launched 75 fruit flies on STS-121 for 13 days; Discovery returned with about 3,000, including a new generation that developed in space
NASA's experiments with fruit flies in zero gravity unveiled significant weaknesses in their immune systems. Observations indicated these flies produced fewer specialized immune cells and exhibited a diminished ability to combat bacteria. Further investigations demonstrated that their responses to fungal infections were also altered in space. These discoveries illuminate potential immune function disruptions among model organisms during spaceflight, raising important concerns for upcoming long-duration human space missions.
In 2015, fruit flies were sent to International Space Station to study how microgravity and the space environment affect the innate immune system
In 2015, fruit flies were sent to International Space Station to study how microgravity and the space environment affect the innate immune system. NASA’s Fruit Fly Lab-01 tested how weightlessness affects immunity and also tested a new research platform. The mission used fruit flies because of their genetic links to humans and their short life cycle.
In 1994, 300 young male fruit flies flew for 14.5 days on IML-2; repeated video showed their locomotor activity rose sharply while they were in microgravity
In 1994, fruit flies were launched into space, revealing significantly heightened activity levels in microgravity. These flies aged more rapidly than their Earth-dwelling counterparts. Researchers noted a decrease in mitochondrial RNA, hinting at a connection to energy production at the cellular level. Simulated weightlessness experiments confirmed the increased activity observed in space. This foundational research is vital for understanding the implications of prolonged weightlessness on future space missions.
In 1967, NASA flew flour beetle pupae on Biosatellite II for 45 hours; radiation and weightlessness raised wing abnormalities in flight from 29.9% to 44.8%
During the 1967 Biosatellite II mission, flour beetles displayed notable wing deformities, underscoring how weightlessness amplified the adverse effects of radiation on living organisms. This early research in space biology played a pivotal role in understanding how microgravity and radiation interact. Today, insects are being considered viable food sources for future space explorations, reinforcing the importance of studying the biological consequences of spaceflight.
In 1992, NASA studied C. elegans worms exposed to space radiation on IML-1; the experiment reported higher mutation rates than in ground controls
In 1992, micro worms unveiled the troubling effects of space radiation on DNA, showcasing considerable genetic harm to these minuscule creatures. This finding raises alarm for astronauts who lack Earth's magnetic shield, exposing them to similar hazards. As NASA continues to grapple with radiation exposure limits for upcoming lunar and Martian expeditions, ensuring the genetic safety of astronauts on prolonged journeys remains a critical and unresolved challenge.
NASA sent a 77-year-old payload specialist back into space in 1998, 36 years after he became the first American to orbit Earth - not just to make history again, but to study how an older human body responds to microgravity, becoming the oldest person ever to fly in space
John Glenn returned to space aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1998. He became the oldest person to travel into space at age seventy-seven. NASA utilized his flight to study aging and spaceflight connections. The mission conducted over eighty scientific experiments during its nine days. Glenn's journey marked a historic return to the environment that made him a hero.
In 2005, NASA flew five thick-toed geckos aboard Foton-M2 for 16 days without food or water; all were recovered with no apparent negative health effects
Five geckos orbited Earth for sixteen days without food or water. Researchers studied how weightlessness affects these cold-blooded animals. Bone tissue loss occurred in geckos and a ground control group. This indicated fasting and enclosure conditions caused the bone loss. Subsequent missions provided food and water to prevent these changes.
In 2014, NASA sent young and older mice into space; within 9 to 11 days, the younger ones began running group laps in zero gravity
In 2014, NASA launched a group of twenty mice to the International Space Station for groundbreaking research. Remarkably, the young mice exhibited coordinated circling behavior just two weeks after their arrival. In contrast, older mice showed little interest in this peculiar behavior, a mystery that intrigued scientists. This phenomenon could be connected to factors like stress, motivation, or the vestibular system.
In 1997, NASA sent 64 desert beetles to Russia’s Mir space station with tiny wheels tracking their every movement; their movements helped scientists understand how light regulates biological clocks in microgravity
NASA sent black desert beetles into space aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1997. These insects lived on the Russian Mir space station for 125 days. Tiny wheels tracked their movements to study activity changes in microgravity. Researchers found light pulses shifted beetle clocks, while gravity affected their natural rhythms. This experiment helped understand challenges for human sleep and circadian rhythms during space missions.
In 2013, a special medical research facility was started in Cologne, Germany to understand how humans adapt to extreme environments: How :envihab helps prepare astronauts?
In 2013, a special medical research facility was started in Cologne, Germany to understand how humans adapt to extreme environments. The facility studies how the human body responds to microgravity-like conditions. Its bedrest studies help researchers examine changes in bones, muscles, balance, vision and coordination and test measures that could protect astronauts during space missions.
NASA found astronauts can become up to 3% taller in space; their spines lengthen without Earth’s gravity, then compress again after landing
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station actually grow taller due to the absence of gravity. This temporary height increase occurs as spinal discs decompress and elongate in microgravity. Upon returning to Earth, gravity compresses the spine, reversing the height gain. However, astronauts experience muscle atrophy in their lower backs which takes time to recover. This can lead to an increased risk of herniated discs after long-duration spaceflight.
The Boeing Starliner Saga left Sunita Williams struggling—But now comes her toughest mission yet
After a grueling nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth looking visibly frail. Medical experts are concerned about her apparent weight loss, muscle atrophy, and bone density depletion, issues common after prolonged exposure to microgravity. While recovery is expected, the ordeal underscores the harsh toll space travel takes on the human body. From balance issues to digestive struggles, Williams faces a tough but hopeful road ahead, as NASA and specialists closely monitor her reintegration into Earth's gravity.
Is Sunita Williams really facing health issues? Astronaut addresses weight loss rumors from Space!
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), balances cutting-edge research with personal adaptation to space life. In a recent interview, Williams addressed health concerns, explaining microgravity-induced changes in her appearance. Simultaneously, she is pioneering robotics advancements using the Astrobee free-flyer system for satellite servicing and space debris removal. Her rigorous fitness routine counteracts bone density loss caused by weightlessness. As part of NASA’s Artemis program, Williams contributes to missions shaping humanity's future on the Moon and Mars.
'My Body Has Changed': Sunita Williams shares latest health update and changes she is experiencing after months in space
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams recently shared updates about her health from the International Space Station. She addressed rumors about weight loss, stating her weight remained constant. Williams explained that while body fluids shift in space, causing a puffy appearance, her weight is stable.
NASA working for better cancer treatments in space: Report
Washington, Aug 28 (IANS) Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are conducting a blood cell experiment which may improve treatments for cancer, the media reported.
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