NASA's Scott Kelly Grew 2 Inches: The Body After a Year in Space

[fleur-de-lisa]

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nasa-s-scott-kelly-grew-2-inches-body-after-year-n530456

After living for nearly a year aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly is two inches taller than his identical twin brother Mark. One of the main goals of his groundbreaking mission is to study how well humans can endure — mind, body and spirit — on a long-duration spaceflight. Kelly, who has spent more time in space than any other American astronaut, reports that overall he "feels pretty good" and now begins what may be a year-long project to monitor his health. One unique advantage he provides to NASA's doctors is his identical twin brother, Mark, a former NASA astronaut who spent last year with his feet planted on terra firma.

What a Year in Space Can Do to Your Body

BRITTLE BONES

Astronauts no longer walk to get in the spacecraft, they float so the bones in the legs, hips and spine experience a significant decrease in load bearing. This leads to bone breakdown and a release of calcium, leaving the bone more brittle and weak. The release of calcium can also increase the risk of kidney stone formation and bone fractures.

WEAK MUSCLES

Extended spaceflight results in less work for the legs and back: muscles can begin to weaken or atrophy, and this could lead to fall-related injuries and accidents during exploration missions.

PUFFY FACE AND LEGS

In space, blood is flowing more in the upper part of the body and a little less in the lower extremities. While in space, astronauts often have a puffy face and the legs that are smaller in circumference.

SMALLER HEART

The heart doesn't have to work as hard up there: Over time, this could lead to a decrease in the size of the heart.
There is also a concern that space radiation may affect endothelial cells, the lining of blood vessels, which might initiate or accelerate coronary heart disease. After living for nearly a year aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly is two inches taller than his identical twin brother Mark. One of the main goals of his groundbreaking mission is to study how well humans can endure — mind, body and spirit — on a long-duration spaceflight.

BALANCE ISSUES

The inner ear, which is sensitive to gravity, no longer functions correctly. Early in the mission, astronauts can experience disorientation, space motion sickness and a loss of sense of direction. Upon return to Earth, they must readjust to Earth's gravity and can experience problems standing up, stabilizing their gaze, walking and turning.

[octoberlib]

1. This is interesting. I'm looking forward to the results of the

doctors tests and examinations.

[jberryhill]

2. Does it work on... um... everything?

[joeybee12]

3. Yeah

Where were those two inches added?

[madinmaryland]

6. What do you do about "that" when you are in a space capsule

for a year??

[joeybee12]

7. Pray?

[madinmaryland]

9. That's what you say to everyone on the ship you are doing when

you go into the restroom to squeeze one out!!

Yeah, I went there. Too bad trumad is on vacation (thought he is probably reading the swimsuit issue doing...)

[joeybee12]

10. Trumad is probably lurking...

But unfortunately Miami is beating Notre Dame...I was hoping Notre Dame would win so I'd post a very obnoxious gloating post that I know he'll see but can't respond to.

[cwydro]

11. He spends more time on vacation than here.

Seems odd.

[madinmaryland]

12. The Amish are Losing again!!

[bemildred]

5. Yeah, but you have to watch out or it will overinflate pop like a balloon. nt

[kentuck]

4. Very interesting.

And probably a hundred other things not yet discovered?

[GaYellowDawg]

8. I know what they can do!

Molasses, baking soda, and marijuana. After all, people on here think they can cure cancer. Why not all these issues?