In March 2015, the American space program sent astronaut Scott Kelly to live on a space station for a whole year, where he will not feel gravity as the space station orbits Earth. Scott Kelly’s twin brother, Mark, stayed at home. Scientists then plan to study the twins’ body chemistry, genetics, sight, and other data. This way, scientists can find out how living with and without gravity affects two identical people.
This landmark study, known as the NASA Twins Study, aimed to provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of space travel on the human body. By comparing the physiological and psychological changes experienced by Scott Kelly in space with his twin brother Mark, who remained on Earth, scientists could better understand the effects of factors such as microgravity and space radiation on various bodily functions.
The study involved collecting extensive data from both Scott and Mark before, during, and after Scott's year-long stay on the International Space Station (ISS). This included monitoring their cardiovascular health, bone and muscle density, immune system responses, cognitive abilities, gut microbiome, and genetic alterations. The extensive data collection allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the changes that occurred due to Scott's exposure to the space environment.
One of the primary focuses of the study was the impact of microgravity on the human body. Living without gravity can lead to bone and muscle loss, altered cardiovascular function, vision problems, and changes in the immune system. The study aimed to determine the extent and reversibility of these changes by comparing Scott's data with Mark's.
Genetic analysis played a crucial role in the study as well. Researchers examined the epigenetic changes in Scott's DNA resulting from his time in space. Epigenetic modifications are alterations to gene expression caused by environmental influences, rather than changes in the genetic code itself. Analyzing these changes helped scientists understand the genetic responses to living in space.
The Twins Study provided a unique opportunity to study the long-term effects of space travel on the human body. Results from this study contributed to several fields, including space medicine, biomedical research, and our understanding of human adaptation to extreme environments. The findings may also help in preparing astronauts for future long-duration missions, such as a manned mission to Mars.