A team at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics has identified a number of human genes that it says are adversely affected by exposure to microgravity and weightlessness.
This paves the way for future research into how such effects can be mitigated and minimised, with a view to enabling humans to spend longer in space than is currently feasible.
We have known for a long time that going into space presents several significant challenges for the human body – that’s why, for instance, astronauts on the International Space Station must follow a strict workout regime to combat muscle loss.
But the precise mechanisms behind the observed health effects of space travel aren’t entirely understood, particularly at the genetic level.
Now, after using computers to analyse vast biological datasets from a range of sources, the team led by Professor George Spyrou say they have identified microgravity-related changes to genes that are linked to cell repair, inflammation, stress defence mechanisms and cardiovascular function.
Their research seems to tally with earlier findings, such as a 2005 study that showed genes related to the human immune system failed to activate in microgravity, and research in 2024 that suggested over 90 per cent of human genes could function differently in weightless environments.
The team hope next to investigate whether existing medicines can be repurposed to combat some of the ill-effects of weightlessness. They are also building an extensive database of space biology research, with a view to facilitating greater cooperation between scientists internationally.
