Twin Study from NASA Suggests Biological Changes After a Year in Space

When one thinks of a twin study, one might think that the study would be conducted in two different places but at the same time in order to compare results. Comparingly, a twin studies also means that it is a study that is performed to see the overall role of genes in the development of a trait or disorder. While a twin study usually includes the study of genetic development, NASA has made its own version of a twin study, and the twins, for a year, weren't even next to each other. In fact, one of them drifted about in space, and with the new study yields new results, suggesting a biological change.

Slashgear claims that the study yields results stating that spending one year in space does indeed grant a toll on one's body. Though it is common knowledge to many that time in space causes one's muscles to get smaller due to lack of exercise, hence why many astronauts continue to do their workout while floating in zero gravity environments, the study was aimed to find out what kind of particular effects are found on a body that has spent an extended amount of time in space. After returning from his time in the great vacuum of space, Scott Kelly reunites with his brother Mark to compare results.

According to Daily Mail, the twins have nearly identical genomes and similar experiences in life. Blood and other such samples were collected before, during, and after Scott's mission. What is perhaps one of the more interesting factors from this study is that Scott's telomeres, which are the caps found at the ends of chromosomes, are longer than his twin brother's.

Another thing to note was the change in his DNA methylation, which is the reversible addition of a chemical maker to DNA that can affect gene expression, and it had decreased in Scott. Surprisingly, Mark's DNA methylation had increased, but was is quite peculiar is the fact that the levels returned close to men soon after Scott's return. Scientists are still unsure of what this means, but there is no doubt that this study has received ground-breaking results that will continue to be studied.

Tags

Space, Astronaut, Twin Study, NASA, DNA

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