Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

How space impacts your immune system?

etimes.in | Last updated on - Apr 26, 2024, 09:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/11

Space's immune system secrets revealed

Exploring space's impact on health, research reveals microgravity's effects on the immune system. Astronauts face health challenges like bone density loss and fluid redistribution, affecting their immune response. NASA's Human Research Program studies these risks, crucial for moon and Mars missions. Understanding microgravity's effects is key to safeguarding astronaut health in long-term space travel. (Image:Unsplash)

2/11

Persistent Health Challenges

Unlike carsickness, which typically subsides after the journey, some astronauts face health issues long after returning from space missions, posing significant challenges to their well-being. (Image:Unsplash)

3/11

Mission Risks

Illnesses in space can quickly spread in the confined environment of spacecraft, potentially jeopardizing the success of missions. To mitigate this risk, NASA implements pre-launch quarantines and ensures medical training for crew members. (Image:Unsplash)

4/11

Post-Mission Health Concerns

Returning astronauts have reported various health issues such as rashes, heart arrhythmia, ear conditions, dehydration, low blood pressure, and loss of bone calcium, highlighting the toll that space travel can take on the human body. (Image:Unsplash)

5/11

NASA's Human Research Program

NASA's ongoing research program aims to understand the risks associated with space travel, including the impact of microgravity and radiation on astronaut health. This research is vital as NASA embarks on ambitious missions to the moon and Mars. (Image:Unsplash)

6/11

Effects of Microgravity

Microgravity causes bone density loss, fluid redistribution leading to eye and kidney problems, and affects immune system function. NASA monitors astronauts' balance, motor skills, and fluid distribution during and after missions to address these issues. (Image:Unsplash)

7/11

The Twins Study

NASA's landmark study involving identical twins Scott and Mark Kelly revealed significant genetic changes in Scott's immune system during his year-long stay on the ISS, highlighting the profound impact of space travel on human biology. (Image:Unsplash)

8/11

Immune System Research

Recent studies have focused on understanding how microgravity affects immune cells, particularly T regulator cells (Tregs), which play a crucial role in immune response regulation. Abnormal activation of Tregs in space may weaken immune function. (Image:Unsplash)

9/11

Gene Activity in Space

Studies have shown that spaceflight alters gene activity in white blood cells, affecting immune response mechanisms. This finding underscores the need to comprehend how the immune system adapts to space conditions. (Image:Unsplash)

10/11

Radiation Protection

Protecting astronauts from space radiation is paramount for long-duration missions. Research aims to understand genetic changes induced by radiation exposure, potentially leading to the development of treatments to mitigate its effects. (Image:Unsplash)

11/11

Future Challenges and Opportunities

As humanity ventures further into space, ongoing research will be essential to safeguard astronaut health and ensure the success of deep space exploration missions. Understanding the immune system's response to space conditions will be crucial in this endeavor. (Image:Unsplash)

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Photostories
  • 5 classic hill stations in India that are also traffic nightmares
  • The body check: What workplace stress is secretly doing to your brain, heart and sleep
  • RCB reaches the IPL 2026 finale, and Virat Kohli celebrates the only way he knows – by twinning with Anushka Sharma
  • Varun Dhawan's ‘Chunnari Chunnari’, Kiara Advani's ‘Cheez Badi’ to Jacqueline's ‘Ek Do Teen’ : Bollywood song remakes that failed to impress audiences
  • 10 unique sea snakes and places they can be found on beach by travellers
  • Even while resting, the brain may still be overworked, neurologists warn about today’s “always-on” lifestyle
  • Cotton vs linen: What’s the real difference and which one should you actually wear?
  • 4 personality traits of Akshay Kumar that make him a go-getter and an eternal action hero
  • 5 places on Earth where you can experience all four seasons in one road trip
  • From running away from home to undergoing plastic surgery at 11 and a ‘fake marriage’ with Ritesh Singh: Rakhi Sawant reveals shocking details
Explore more Stories
  • 7
    The body check: What workplace stress is secretly doing to your brain, heart and sleep
  • 6
    5 animals more dangerous to humans than sharks (and some will surprise you)
  • 6
    5 most beautiful rabbit breeds in the world you’ll instantly fall in love with
  • 6
    The problem-solver, the diplomat, the visionary: Which workplace personality are you?
  • 6
    T. Rex vs Spinosaurus: Who was the true king of the dinosaurs?
Up Next
  • News
  • /
  • Etimes
  • /
  • Trending
  • /
  • How space impacts your immune system?
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 27, 2026, 07.08PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service