Tag Archives: Extraordinary

The World’s Oldest Person Had a Youthful Microbiome and an “Extraordinary Genome.”

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Painted alongside scientist Manel Esterer, Maria Blagnas Morela contributed to research aimed at uncovering her secrets of longevity

Manel Esterler

From January 17, 2023, to August 19, 2024, Maria Blañas Morera from Spain was formally recognized as the oldest person in the world until her passing at the age of 117 years and 168 days. To investigate the secrets behind her remarkable longevity, a team of researchers explored her genetics, microbiome, and lifestyle.

When Morera was 116, the researchers gathered samples of her blood, saliva, and stool for genetic analysis. “Her genome was exceptional, enriched with variants known to extend lifespans in other species such as dogs, worms, and flies,” noted team member Manel Esterler at the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain.

Showing no signs of dementia, Morera also possessed numerous genetic variants that helped maintain low blood lipid levels, protecting her heart and cognitive functions, according to Esteller. “Simultaneously, she lacked genetic mutations linked to conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, or metabolic disorders.”

The researchers discovered that her lipid metabolism was one of the most efficient recorded. “Her lipid profile was remarkable, with very low cholesterol,” Esterer mentioned. “This efficiency was tied to her modest diet and genetic traits that enabled the rapid metabolism of damaged molecules.”

Esteller noted that Morela abstained from alcohol and smoking and adhered to a Mediterranean diet comprising vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil, along with three servings of sugar-free yogurt daily.

Further assessments indicated that Morela maintained a robust immune system typically seen in younger individuals, alongside a gut microbiota characteristic of much younger people.

One of the most “astonishing” findings was a high concentration of Actinobacteriota bacteria in her gut, including well-known probiotics like Bifidobacteria. This abundance typically declines with age but tends to increase among centenarians and supercentenarians, offering various anti-aging benefits, such as reducing inflammation.

The researchers believe that her yogurt intake may have continually replenished her levels of Bifidobacteria. “This may suggest that dietary interventions can be linked to prolonged lifespan by influencing gut microbiota, along with preventing obesity and other health issues,” Esterer added.

Lastly, scientists examined whether there was a significant difference between Morela’s biological age and her chronological age by constructing an epigenetic clock based on her DNA methylation. This process involves adding or removing chemical tags that regulate gene expression. “Her biological age appeared 23 years younger than her actual age, contributing significantly to her longevity,” remarked Esterer.

Previous studies indicate that supercentenarians may carry genetic mutations associated with various medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular issues. Nevertheless, they somehow manage to overcome these obstacles and attain extraordinary lifespans. “There are limited studies on supercentenarians, and many only focus on one aspect, like microbiomes,” explained Esteller. “Our research demonstrates that overcoming such maladies is a blend of advantageous genetics and other elements, including beneficial gut microbiota, delayed biological aging indicated by a youthful epigenome, and lifestyle factors such as avoiding smoking, alcohol, and maintaining a low-fat diet.”

Richard Farragher from the University of Brighton in the UK acknowledged that the study highlights the plethora of assessments available to longevity researchers, cautioning that a case study of one individual could risk being perceived as a scientific “So-So Story.”

He explains that there are two key reasons behind the survival of extremely long-lived individuals: “First, there’s something extraordinary about them, perhaps genetically, and second, survival biases due to their fortunate circumstances,” said Farragher.

If luck plays a role, he asserts that to substantiate her longevity, Morela belonged to a family with a history of long lifespans that wasn’t documented in the study.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Extraordinary Impact of Nature on Our Brains Uncovered in a New Book

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Spend time in green spaces to enhance working memory and attention.

Luke Hayes/Millennium Images, UK


Nature and the Heart


Mark Berman (Vermillion, UK; S&S/Simon Element, USA)

Mark Berman is on the verge of initiating a transformation, and I consider myself already aligned with his vision. You might have encountered his insights in New Scientist regarding the remarkable advantages of nature walks, the therapeutic impact of plants, and the enchantment of urban greenery.

If this sounds familiar, you may presume that Berman’s Research couldn’t offer anything new. However, you would be mistaken. Nature and the Heart caters to everyone, regardless of prior knowledge. It’s designed not only to inform and entertain but also to motivate action.

This narrative outlines how a once troubled boy forged a groundbreaking field in environmental neuroscience by transitioning from law studies pursued under his mother’s nursing influence and his father’s legal career to engineering as an undergraduate student.

Central to this is a fortuitous encounter between psychologists Steve and Rachel Kaplan from the University of Michigan, who introduced attentional restoration theory (ART). This concept posits that engaging with nature can help regain our focus, and by the time Berman met them as a graduate student, Kaplan had already amassed substantial evidence to support this theory.

Berman’s audacious plan involved quantifying these effects by analyzing people, their environments, and their interactions through methods including brain imaging, behavioral testing, computational neuroscience, and statistical analyses.

In his book, Berman reflects on his initial experimental proposal, met with skepticism from John Jonides, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Michigan, who said, “It’s crazy. It won’t work.”

The author champions a revolution to ‘naturize’ our homes, schools, offices, and cities.

Yet, Berman persevered, uncovering astonishing findings. A mere 50-minute walk in a park significantly improved individuals’ working memory and attention by 20%, irrespective of their enjoyment of the experience or the weather conditions. Remarkably, it was unnecessary for them to actually walk.

This improvement is notable, but why is attention restoration necessary? As Berman highlights, attention is a crucial resource for many cognitive and emotional functions, and our attention is often drained by an overstimulating environment. By restoring this resource, nature acts as a superpower, enhancing intelligence, happiness, reducing stress, increasing productivity, and fostering compassion.

Some of Berman’s discoveries are breathtaking. For instance, individuals suffering from clinical depression gained fivefold benefits from a walk in the park compared to participants in the original study. Moreover, having ten additional trees on a block in Toronto increased residents’ perception of well-being by 1%.

His research also leads to delightful and innovative findings. In one study, his team employed the JPEG standard in digital image compression to analyze how the human brain processes information regarding natural landscapes versus urban settings. This research demonstrated that urban and natural images with similar complexity levels taxed the brain differently, with nature being less taxing. They even created an app to provide “repair scores” for nearby walking routes.

Berman’s research addresses significant inquiries. How does nature capture attention? What scene elements encourage recovery? How can architecture leverage these effects? It also tackles intriguing questions, such as the allure of galley-style fonts (inspired by the curves of serif typefaces) and the appeal of Jackson Pollock’s abstract paintings (which reflect fractals).

Above all, he is driven by a desire to effect positive change. His work serves as a call to action, urging the implementation of a “natural revolution.” “We should fundamentally reevaluate the design of all constructed spaces,” he advocates. “The natural revolution necessitates a serious commitment from people on a grand scale.”

Source: www.newscientist.com

Companies Assisting Trump in Immigration Crackdown Experience “Extraordinary” Profits

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The companies involved in technology, surveillance, and private prison services that are supporting Donald Trump’s vast escalation and militarization of immigration enforcement are celebrating after announcing their recent financial performance.

Palantir, a tech firm alongside Geo Group and CoreCivic—both private prison and surveillance providers—reported this week that their earnings exceeded Wall Street’s forecasts, driven by the administration’s aggressive immigration policies.

“As usual, I was advised to temper my enthusiasm regarding our impressive numbers,” stated Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, earlier this week. He then praised the company’s “remarkable numbers” and expressed his “immense pride” in its achievements.

Executives from private prison companies did not hesitate to highlight the chance for “unprecedented growth” in the immigration detention sector during their financial discussions.

Palantir reported that revenues from US government contracts exceeded $1 billion in the second quarter of 2025, a significant rise compared to the same period last year. Analysts had predicted revenue of $939.4 million.

Firms that aggregate and analyze various data sets, enabling clients to leverage that information for product development, will derive a substantial portion of their income from government deals. The largest customer in the US is the Department of Defense, which houses the US Army and recently announced a $10 billion contract with Palantir. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has enhanced its partnership with Palantir since the Trump administration commenced, maintaining a collaboration that dates back to 2011. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) primarily focuses on the apprehension, detention, and deportation of immigrants.

“We provide safety and uphold values, so Palantir may face backlash simply because we help improve this nation,” Karp remarked. “The fact that we can succeed while holding a distinct viewpoint ought to provoke some jealousy and discomfort, given our perceptions of those we deem less desirable.”

While Palantir facilitates immigration enforcement, private prison companies Geo Group and CoreCivic have reported higher-than-expected earnings. Geo Group posted revenue of $636.2 million for the quarter, surpassing analysts’ forecasts of $623.4 million, while CoreCivic announced $5.382 million for the second quarter of this year, marking a 9.8% increase from the same period last year. George Zoley, CEO of Geo Group, noted that detention centers are fuller than ever, utilizing 20,000 beds across 21 Geo Group facilities and approximately one-third of the 57,000 available beds in ICE detention centers nationwide. Zoley also mentioned in a call that he is investigating detention centers on US military sites, one of the many “unprecedented growth opportunities” he discussed during the call.

Awaiting the Surveillance Boom

Though Geo Group’s detention sector has experienced a significant uplift, the growth of its monitoring division has not yet materialized as anticipated by executives earlier this year.

Executives anticipate that the Intensive Supervision Emergency Program (ISAP), an immigration monitoring initiative managed for the past 20 years by its subsidiary Bi Inc, will exceed its previous high of 370,000 monitored immigrants. Recent months have seen the number remain around 183,000 individuals.

“[ICE hasn’t] communicated any ISAP expansion at this time,” Zoley explained during an investor call.

Nevertheless, the company expects ISAP figures to rise next year, aiming to “maximize detention capacity.” The Trump administration has expressed interest in increasing the number of immigrants under surveillance through ankle monitors. Many immigrants have described ISAP surveillance as invasive and at times physically uncomfortable and ineffective.

In a discussion with investors, CoreCivic executives shared that they are offering ICE around 30,000 beds for detaining immigrants across their national network.

ICE Expansion Signals Future Financial Gains

A significant funding bill passed by Congress and signed by Trump last month has facilitated a substantial influx of funds into DHS. ICE received $45 billion to expand its detention infrastructure.

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Currently, ICE has approximately 41,500 beds available, while detaining around 57,000 individuals across its network. This funding influx could lead agents to detain thousands more, making it advantageous for private prison contractors.

“Our business is perfectly aligned with the demands of this moment,” stated CoreCivic CEO Damon T. Hininger during an investor call on Thursday. “We are in a unique situation, witnessing a rapid escalation of federal detention requirements nationwide, along with a continual need for our solutions.”

Management and budget offices are financially primed due to the spending package, allowing private prison firms to act swiftly in offering services to immigration officials.

“As we understand, the budget reflects moral priorities, and last month Congress decided to fully fund actions targeting the immigrant community at the cost of crucial programs benefiting all Americans.” “Since last November, private prison companies have been eagerly eyeing the potential for profit at the expense of everyone else.”

Since Trump’s re-inauguration this year, CoreCivic has amended, extended, or signed new contracts to detain immigrants at eight different facilities, as per the company’s financial reports. Geo Group has done similarly at five facilities.

Both firms expect to generate revenues amid increasing scrutiny from immigration rights and human rights organizations regarding conditions in immigration detention facilities across the nation.

Setareh remarked that the benefits from private prisons arise from “the devastation of human lives, orchestrated by the Trump administration, and made feasible by a complicit Congress.”

Cibola Correctional Facility, a facility in New Mexico housing both immigrants and federal prisoners, is currently facing investigation from the FBI for alleged drug trafficking activities. Since 2018, at least 15 individuals have died in the facility.

Last September, the company promoted Cibola as an ideal location for detaining additional migrants.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unlocking the Mysteries of Earth’s Extraordinary Deep Biosphere: Our Next Great Frontier

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Microbial life thrives in this thermal vent in the Pacific Ocean

Galih/Alamy

Within the Earth
Karen G. Lloyd (Princeton University Press)

While many shelves are filled with titles about forests, oceans, and deserts, the deep biosphere, an important and intriguing habitat beneath our feet, is often overlooked. Despite a few notable exceptions, literature on ecosystems ranging from the Amazon to Antarctica largely ignores this underground world.

Not anymore. Within the Earth: Discover the Strangest Life on Earth by Karen G. Lloyd serves as a crucial field guide to the underground life we’ve started to uncover. “In fact, we have yet to find the limits of where life ceases to exist,” she states.

The general unawareness of the deep biosphere’s existence reflects our surface-centric worldview. However, Lloyd, a microbial biogeochemist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, argues that learning about this life can profoundly change our understanding of existence itself.

She defines the deep biosphere as areas below the seafloor or beneath land where life thrives without sunlight, the primary energy source for most surface organisms. These environments encompass a variety of metabolic processes, from methane production arising from decomposed plants beneath a few centimeters of marsh mud to chemical processes with microbes three kilometers underground.

Discussing these microorganisms, she notes, “It’s as if there are millions of small, low-energy suns scattered throughout the Earth’s crust, each supporting its own underground ecosystem.”

How much life is present? It’s difficult to say. However, Lloyd contends that all estimates are likely underestimated. One claim suggests that marine sediments alone could hold 2.9 x 1029 cells, potentially twice as many as those in continental fractures and pores, presenting astonishing figures.

Advances in genetic sequencing and field research are illuminating these rich ecosystems. Lloyd helps researchers differentiate between microbial species and deduce metabolic functions through DNA alone. This is especially helpful since many deep-dwelling bacteria and archaea have proven impossible to cultivate in surface laboratories.

It’s like a movie. Be careful not to slip on the volcanic glass shards. Don’t fall into the acid lake!

The fieldwork section discusses how scientists obtain new DNA samples—whether from hydrothermal vents, excavated continental rocks, or dripping water in deep mines. “To understand limits, one sometimes must become the explorer,” Lloyd notes.

Through engaging prose, she recounts her adventures tracking microorganisms from the high deserts of the Andes to the perilous peaks of Costa Rican volcanoes. These stories resemble scenes from action films—caution is essential to avoid slipping on volcanic glass fragments or falling into acid lakes!

Fortunately, this book transcends a mere expedition narrative. It features an extensive and approachable explanation of the chemistry that enables a deep biosphere. Although the equations involved can be complex, Lloyd adeptly guides readers to grasp the chemical frameworks that support these creatures living on the “edge of energy.”

To facilitate this challenging learning curve, she draws parallels between surface ecosystems and our dietary habits to illuminate the underground world. For instance, bacteria that metabolize sulfides are likened to “couch potatoes,” competing with methane-producing “freeloaders” by preserving hydrogen, a universal nutrient—a dramatic ecological narrative reminiscent of the Serengeti. Sulfate-reducing agents in Svalbard’s fjords “have access to a permanently stocked refrigerator.” Engaging and thrilling, her exploration of biogeochemistry is no small feat.

However, the highlight of Lloyd’s book is her assertion that certain forms of deep life may possess a sluggish metabolism, allowing individuals to survive for thousands, or even millions of years. These “eonophiles” (once confirmed to have extraordinarily long life spans) “redefine our preconceived notions about the nature of life,” she asserts. Truly, these lifestyles are alien, and how fortunate we are to uncover more about them right here on Earth!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Extraordinary Claims Demand Extraordinary Evidence

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Stepping into the Royal Society of London, the UK’s foremost National Academy of Sciences, you’ll encounter a three-word phrase: Nullius in Verba. This motto, held for over 350 years, translates to “I accept no one’s word.” Essentially, trust in science must be based on empirical evidence.

But what qualifies as evidence? This aspect becomes a bit more nuanced. The assertion that the sky is blue can be easily substantiated by anyone who can see it; therefore, little further proof is necessary. However, if someone claims the sky is purple, we’d need a robust explanation for our apparent oversight.

Another famous saying, attributed to astronomer Carl Sagan, encapsulates the demand for solid evidence: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” This issue highlights several notable recent examples that fall short of that standard.

The first example resonates strongly with Sagan’s perspective. Recently, astronomers proposed they detected gases potentially indicative of extraterrestrial life in distant exoplanets, but subsequent analysis suggests they may have found nothing. There’s also a significant backlash from biotechnology firm Colossal against the International Union for Conservation of Nature, alleging it “clears” threats to the wolf population.

The work of science is, as always, to dig deeper in hopes of revealing the truth.

There is considerable excitement surrounding these claims, with many hoping they prove true, but unfortunately, they do not hold up. We are committed to accurately reporting substantial claims, as seen in our discussion about the assertion that light is not subject to wave-particle duality, but consists solely of quantum particles.

This is indeed an extraordinary claim, challenging a century of established physics. As we explore, the evidence to substantiate this notion is currently lacking, though physicists remain intrigued enough to pursue further investigation. Without clear evidence disproving the claim, the essence of scientific inquiry remains: to dig deeper in hopes of uncovering the truth or, at the very least, our best approximation.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The special mud used on MLB baseballs is said to have extraordinary properties

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overview

  • For years, special mud has been rubbed onto baseballs before major league games to make them less slippery.
  • The story of mud dates back to the 1930s, and MLB still relies on one small supplier.
  • New research explains the science behind why mud works. Mud contains a perfect proportion of clay and sand.

For more than 80 years, baseball has relied on special mud stashes to remove the shine from the ball's smooth leather and give fielders a better grip. This substance is applied to all baseballs before major league games.

The mud, called “Lena Blackburn Baseball Rubbing Mud,” comes from a single source: a secret location on the banks of a tributary of the Delaware River. Jim Bintliff, a retired printing press operator in New Jersey, collects mud from his grandfather's old fishing pond about once a month. He likens its consistency after processing to “cold cream or hard pudding.”

Despite mud being ubiquitous, scientists have been unable to explain why mud makes gripping the ball easier, or even provide empirical evidence that mud actually works. Until now.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania designed a series of tests to study the mud and even created synthetic rubber “fingers” to measure its properties. their results are Published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciencesprovides the first published scientific evidence that the power of mud is more than a myth.

“It goes on like a face cream, but it grips like sandpaper. It has this magical ability,” said Doug Jeromack, a geophysicist at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study. states.

The magic mud will be applied to all balls used in Major League Baseball, including this year's World Series.Mark Griffey/Penn Engineering

Jeromac's team found that the mud contains the perfect ratio of sticky clay and sand particles. The latter drives rivets into the surface of the ball like barnacles to increase friction, but the material still spreads thin and evenly like toothpaste.

“The harder you work, the better it flows,” Jeromac says.

The authors concluded that attempts to create synthetic alternatives to mud (something Major League Baseball has researched) are foolish.

“It's a very special combination of ingredients that nature creates that makes it work,” Jeromac said.

Mud's origin story is rooted in tragedy.

In a match in August 1920, New York Yankees pitcher Karl Mays He fired the ball at Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman, hitting him in the head. ball It hit Chapman in the skull, killing him..

The death raised concerns about wild pitches and the danger of fresh, shiny baseballs slipping out of pitchers' hands. So in 1929, the National League president required umpires to dirty the ball to give it a better grip. According to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

However, finding a suitable substance proved difficult.

“They tried to use infield dirt, which scratched the leather too much. They tried shoe polish and cigarette spit. Those things made the ball too dark,” Bintliff said. .

Finally, in 1938, Philadelphia Athletics third base coach Lena Blackburn remembered the finely filtered dirt of her childhood in New Jersey. He returned to the source, collected it and began to apply it.

An undated photo shows Lena Blackburn Loving Mud's previous owner, Burns Bintliff, holding a can of mud.Lena Blackburn rubs mud

The mud was so popular that Blackburn set up a business to process and sell it. Eventually, he handed over the business to a childhood friend with whom he used to fish and swim, and his grandson Bintliff now runs the company with his wife.

Starting in 2022, MLB will require at least 156 balls to be prepared for each game, with at least 156 balls for each game. Scrub mud for 30 seconds within 3 hours.

Bintliff said MLB buys each team a bucket of mud for $100 each, adding two during the regular season and more during spring training. Some clubs, like the World Series champion Dodgers, are purchasing additional containers for their farm systems, he added.

“This mud acts as a super-fine abrasive, removing shiny coatings without damaging the leather or laces,” Bintliff said.

He collects the mud in 5-gallon buckets (usually about 10 to 20 buckets each time he visits the riverbank), drains the river in his garage, removes twigs and rocks, and uses tap water. plus processing. This process yields approximately 150 pounds of product on average.

Are there any special ingredients added?

“It's a proprietary part,” he said.

The scientists who studied the mud are not big baseball fans, but they became interested after conducting an informal analysis of the mud five years ago. Two students from Jeromac's lab then set out to prove whether the mud worked. They developed three important tests.

From left: University of Pennsylvania researchers Shravan Pradeep, Doug Jeromak, Paulo Arathia, and Chen Xiangyu.Felipe Masera/Penn Engineering

First, they used an atomic force microscope to analyze the adhesion, or stickiness, of the mud. Atomic force microscopy measures the resistance of the mud as the instrument is pulled away from it. Then, to understand how well the mud was flowing, the researchers placed the mud in a machine called a rheometer, which rotated the sample and measured its viscosity.

The third test estimated the friction between human skin and a baseball. The idea was to make a “finger'' out of synthetic rubber and apply a drop of whale oil instead of the oil secreted by human skin. The “finger” was pressed against a strip of leather baseball and rotated on the rheometer.

To test the properties of the magical mud, the group developed a custom-built device.Mark Griffey/Penn Engineering

Emanuela del Gado, director of Georgetown University's Institute for Soft Matter Synthesis and Metrology, said the properties uncovered in these tests are rare and sought after in cosmetics and other fields.

“Industry spends a lot of time tweaking formulations to get those properties,” said Del Gado, who was not involved in the research.

“Substances that are simple to us can be very complex, and they can tell us a lot,” she adds, adding that mud is a product of long cycles of flow, rainfall, and seasonal environmental changes. It was pointed out that it was formed by

These days, Bintliff's clients include college coaches, Little League umpires, and National Football League teams. He plans to pass the business on to one of his children.

So far, mud has withstood the new technologies competing to replace it.

In 2016, MLB tested balls coated with proprietary chemicalsAnd last year, commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the league was working with Dow Chemical to We will develop a “sticky ball'' that remains “pure white''. But MLB officials say the project is still no closer to an alternative solution to mud.

The study authors recommended keeping the mud in place because of new evidence that confirms what baseball players intuited more than 80 years ago: “This works,” Jeromac said.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Study finds that astronauts possess extraordinary skills in orienting themselves and calculating distances while in space

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New research has implications for crew safety in space and could give clues about how aging affects the balance systems of people on Earth.

horges other. We addressed the question of whether body posture influences humans' perception of self-motion and distance. They found that the same amount of optical flow can elicit the sensation of traveling farther when lying on one's back and when sitting upright; that is, optical flow We found evidence that it is more effective in eliciting the sensation of movement. This constitutes evidence that visual and nonvisual cues are at least partially integrated, even when self-movement is presented only visually. However, we found no significant differences in performance in microgravity on Earth and on the ISS, suggesting that vestibular stimulation is not important, if any, in estimating visually presented self-motion.

The study's lead author, Professor Lawrence Harris from the University of York, said: “The perception of gravity has been repeatedly shown to influence perceptual abilities.”

“The most profound way to study the effects of gravity is to remove it. That's why we brought our research into space.”

“We have had a steady presence in space for nearly a quarter of a century, but our efforts in space are ever-increasing as we plan to return to the moon and beyond, ensuring health and safety. It is becoming increasingly important to answer questions about

“Based on our findings, it appears that humans are surprisingly able to use vision to adequately compensate for the lack of Earth's normal environment.

For the study, Professor Harris and his colleagues surveyed more than a dozen astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits about 400 kilometers above the Earth's surface.

“Here, Earth's gravity is almost canceled out by the centrifugal force generated by the station's orbit. In the resulting microgravity, the movement of people becomes close to flight,” Professor Harris said.

“People had previously reported anecdotally that they felt like they were traveling faster or farther than they were actually in space, so this actually motivated us to record this.”

The authors compared the performance of 12 astronauts (six men and six women) before, during, and after a year-long mission to the space station and found out how far they traveled. I discovered that my sense of what I had done was almost intact.

Space missions were hectic endeavors, and it took several days for researchers to make contact with the astronauts after arriving at the space station.

“Our study may not have captured early adaptations that may have occurred during the first few days. Because whatever adaptations occur, they occur very quickly. This remains a good news message,” Professor Harris said.

Space missions are not without risks. Because the ISS orbits around the Earth, small objects can occasionally collide with it and enter the ship, where astronauts must move to safety.

“During the experiment, the ISS had to take many evasive maneuvers,” Professor Harris said.

“Astronauts need to be able to get to safety or escape through a hatch on the ISS in an emergency. So to see that they were actually able to do this with great precision was very exciting. I felt relieved.”

“Our research shows that exposure to microgravity mimics the aging process primarily at a physiological level, including bone and muscle wasting, changes in hormonal function, and increased susceptibility to infections. However, this paper found that self-movement was largely unaffected, suggesting a balance problem.''The problem, which often comes from old age, may have nothing to do with the vestibular system. ”

“This suggests that the mechanisms of movement perception in older people should be relatively unaffected, and that the problems associated with falls are probably more to do with this than in terms of perception of distance traveled. How can they translate that into a balance reflex? ”

of study Published in npj magazine microgravity.

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B. Horges other. 2024. Effects of long-term exposure to microgravity and body orientation relative to gravity on perceived distance traveled. NPJ microgravity 10, 28; doi: 10.1038/s41526-024-00376-6

Source: www.sci.news