Scientists have been studying how the human body reacts in space, exploring molecular changes that occur. Recent research using advanced molecular biology and precision medicine tools aims to pave the way for more challenging space missions.
The collection of papers called “Space Omics and Medical Atlas across orbits” represents a significant compilation of data on aerospace medicine and space biology, involving over 100 institutions from more than 25 countries. The research covers molecular, cellular, physiological, phenotypic, and spaceflight data.
Professor Nate Szewczyk from Ohio University has contributed to seven articles in this series, delving into topics such as gene expression changes related to insulin and estrogen, the impact of space on the human body, and the effects of space travel on the female reproductive system.
His work also involves trainees from various fields, examining how spaceflight influences insulin and estrogen signaling, ethical considerations for commercial spaceflight, and the effects on reproduction.
Research on worms in space has laid the foundation for understanding molecular changes in organisms in space. With the commercialization of space travel, the need to comprehend human molecular biology in space is crucial for the well-being of space travelers.
Szewczyk emphasizes the necessity of understanding human omics as commercial space flight grows, advocating for improved space medicine practices and health assessment techniques as more individuals venture into space.
His efforts extend to promoting open science and international collaboration in space research, aiming to enhance knowledge sharing among various space agencies to ensure safety and health guidelines for individuals traveling to space.
“By comparing how astronauts and space visitors respond in space, we can work towards better safety measures and determine appropriate health guidelines for their well-being during space travel,” said Szewczyk.
