New Atlas

Biology Audio available

NASA's twin study shows how space travel affects genes, cognition, aging and gut microbiome

Michael Irving April 11, 2019

NASA has conducted a comprehensive study comparing the genes and biology of identical twins Scott and Mark Kelly, after Scott spent almost a year in space while Mark stayed on Earth as a control. And now the results of that study have finally been released.

For NASA's comprehensive study on space travel's effects on human health, astronaut Scott Kelly (right) spent ...

Space Audio available

Spinning bed-ridden people in a centrifuge for the good of astronaut health

Michael Irving March 21, 2019

The lack of gravity in space means that muscles begin to waste away, and scientists have been studying these health effects on Earth with extended bed-rest experiments. In the latest, those beds will be put in a centrifuge to mimic artificial gravity, to see if that can help offset the issues.

A new study will examine the effects of artificial gravity on astronauts by having participants lie ...

Space Audio available

Spaceflight found to reactivate dormant viruses in astronauts

Rich Haridy March 17, 2019

A recent NASA-funded study has found dormant viruses can reactivate in the human body during spaceflight, presenting yet another physiological problem for scientists to solve before we journey out into deep space.

Space

Counter-torque system to pull astronauts out of a spin

David Szondy November 22, 2018

For both skydivers and astronauts, a spin can be a fatal mistake, so engineering firm Draper is working on an anti-spin device to bring them automatically back to stability. Using a network of sensors and gyroscopes,the new system detects a dangerous rotation and generates a counter-torque.

The anti-spin system is designed for astronauts and skydivers at extremely high altitudes

Space

Bad news for Mars-bound astronauts – cosmic rays damage your GI tract

David Szondy October 2, 2018

In more bad news for future voyagers to Mars, a team of scientists has found that the cosmic rays that astronauts will encounter on long space voyages can cause heavy damage to their GI tract. Using animal tissue, they found that the radiation produces both immediate and long term health problems.

Cosmic radiation could adversely affect the digestive tracts of astronauts on a future manned mission to ...

Space

Breakthrough drug could prevent brain damage caused by cosmic radiation

Rich Haridy May 21, 2018

A big challenge humanity faces in venturing off Earth and into deep space is how to tackle the dangers of cosmic radiation. A team has now discovered a drug treatment that could not only prevent cognitive deficits caused by this radiation, but actually repair damage in the brain after exposure.

Space

"Take me home" system automatically brings back astray astronauts

David Szondy December 5, 2017

It's a nightmare scenario. An unconscious astronaut on a spacewalk gone wrong floats off into deep space with no way to get back. To prevent this, engineering firm Draper has patented a "take me home" rescue system that allows a disabled astronaut to return to safety at the push of a button.

Space

How yeast will let astronauts 3D print plastic parts from pee

Michael Irving August 22, 2017

Overpacking isn't exactly an option for trips into space, even for longer trips like an eventual manned mission to Mars. Now, researchers are recruiting microorganisms to solve the problem, by engineering them to make nutrients and 3D-printable plastics out of human waste.

Space

"Exploration telepresence" may virtually get people to Mars

Ben Coxworth June 22, 2017

As far as many people are concerned, there are just two ways of exploring other planets – either robots do it while all the humans stay back on Earth, or astronauts go and do so in person. According to a trio of scientists, however, the best idea may lie somewhere between the two.

Our current way of doing things – the Curiosity rover on Mars

Space

Astronaut Peggy Whitson breaks record for cumulative time spent in space

Anthony Wood April 24, 2017

ISS Commander Peggy Whitson has broken the record for cumulative time spent in space by a NASA astronaut. Whitson is currently serving her third stint aboard the ISS, and with 5 months of her mission remaining, is set to rack up over 650 days in space before touching back down on Earth.

U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson imaged in the Cupola Observational Module of the International Space Station