Short Wave

Outer Space Changes You, Literally. Here's What It Does To The Human Body

Jul 23, 2024
Explore how lower gravity and higher radiation in space dramatically alter the human body. Discover the impact of microgravity on eyesight and heart health, and the fascinating twin study that sheds light on human adaptation. Hear about the reactivation of viruses like shingles and the psychological effects of isolation during long missions. Plus, get a glimpse into astronauts' emotional connection to Earth and the technological advancements spurred by their extraordinary experiences in space!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Unexpected Call

  • Wendy Lawrence, a Navy helicopter pilot, received a surprise call from NASA.
  • This call led to her becoming the first active-duty female naval officer in the astronaut program.
INSIGHT

Space Missions and Research

  • Space missions offer diverse experiences, with astronauts often performing different tasks on each.
  • The International Space Station serves as a crucial lab for studying the impact of spaceflight on the human body.
INSIGHT

Twin Study

  • NASA conducted a twin study with astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly to understand the effects of long space missions.
  • Scott spent a year in space, while Mark remained on Earth, allowing for comparative analysis of their health.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app