Astronaut Scott Kelly's Genes Altered By Space Travel

fmdog44

fmdog44

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Editor's Note: This story was updated on March 15 at 1:15 pm E.T. Scott and Mark Kelly are identical twin brothers — at least, they were until Scott spent a year living in space.

When Scott Kelly returned to Earth after a 340-day voyage aboard the International Space Station (ISS) two years ago, he was 2 inches taller than he'd been when he left. His body mass had decreased, his gut bacteria were completely different, and — according to preliminary findings from NASA researchers — his gene expression had changed significantly. (Interestingly, Scott Kelly has since shrunk back down to his initial prespaceflight height.)
A new NASA statement suggests the physical and mental stresses of Scott Kelly's year in orbit may have activated hundreds of "space genes" that altered the astronaut's immune system, bone formation, eyesight and other bodily processes. While most of these genetic changes reverted to normal following Scott Kelly's return to Earth, about 7 percent of the astronaut's gene expression remained altered — and it may stay that way permanently. [Seeing Double: 8 Fascinating Facts About Twins]

This is critical because now think of the Mars mission coming up. What will the effect of the trip to Mars and back do to those astronauts?
 

These changes are fascinating but way over my head. I did find this definition of "Gene Expression" if anyone is interested:

https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-gene-expression

Gene expression is the process by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product, such as a protein.

Gene expression is a tightly regulated process that allows a cell to respond to its changing environment.

I don't think I can grasp the whole of what this all can mean without a teacher, but it doesn't sound like a bad thing, just a natural process of the body to adapt to change.

Anyone else?
 
I followed this story from the start, so was interested to read the results. I did not quite understand it all, but I do like sciencey stuff.

A side note about Mark, the earth-bound twin, I am sure most of you know his wife is former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot whole making a personal appearance in Arizona.
 

Marie5656 said:
I followed this story from the start, so was interested to read the results. I did not quite understand it all, but I do like sciencey stuff.

A side note about Mark, the earth-bound twin, I am sure most of you know his wife is former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was shot whole making a personal appearance in Arizona.
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Marie, I didn't know the earth-bound twin was Giffords' husband. I remember that terrible incident.

I'm always drawn to "sciencey stuff" as well. One of my life's greatest regrets is not having had a college education. But I hated high school, so it's really my own fault.

Anyway, it is probably too simple to think that if genes changed whatever Scott Kelly needed while in space, they will change again to accommodate his conditions on earth. But doesn't that seem logical?

Growing 2 inches taller while in space was probably a gravitational thing. Now, on earth with greater gravity- he shrunk! Amazing.
 
Are you all aware you are younger by being a frequent flyer than those that do not fly? The further you are from Earth the slower time moves.
 
I think but I am not sure, that you can increase your height by daily inversions; ie hanging upside down suspended by your ankles for some minimum amount of time. I think it allows for some increase in the spacing of certain joints in your body by repeatedly relieving the affects of compression of those joints by gravity.
 
RadishRose said:
Anyway, it is probably too simple to think that if genes changed whatever Scott Kelly needed while in space, they will change again to accommodate his conditions on earth. But doesn't that seem logical?

Growing 2 inches taller while in space was probably a gravitational thing. Now, on earth with greater gravity- he shrunk! Amazing.
Click to expand...

An interesting theory. I wonder if they will be studying that.

 
dpwspringer said:
I think but I am not sure, that you can increase your height by daily inversions; ie hanging upside down suspended by your ankles for some minimum amount of time. I think it allows for some increase in the spacing of certain joints in your body by repeatedly relieving the affects of compression of those joints by gravity.
Click to expand...

One issue with colonizing Mars is because of the difference in gravity inhabitants will eventually be taller or longer.
 
Pick up one of Michio Kaku's books, I recommend Physics of The Future. It is for the most part, written so the average reader can understand what he is saying. It will definitely get you wondering. It deals with what technology will be in the future and I'll guarantee you have not yet imaged what is coming. I read Stephan Hawking's The Grand Design but he gets pretty technical when it comes to cosmetology so I skipped over what I could not understand but it is worth while
 

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