A groundbreaking study is showing how space changes the human body.
Early results of an unprecedented study seem to indicate that long-term space missions affect astronauts genetically.
Scientists studied identical twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly. Scott Kelly spent nearly a year in space before returning to Earth last March. His brother Mark, who remained on Earth, is the control subject in the test.
Early results observe Scott Kelly's genes and DNA showed changes that Mark Kelly's genes and DNA did not. The observed differences include the lengthening of Scott's chromosomes and even stomach bacteria changes.
Researchers, who say this is probably the most detailed molecular profiling ever, will closely study the Kelly twins for at least four more years. Source: Nature