Space travel subjects astronauts to a harsh environment. Microgravity, cosmic radiation, confinement, and other challenges lead to many health risks. Disorders may include reduced immunity, increased infections of the genitourinary tract, reactivation of viruses, bacterial resistance, cardiovascular issues, cancers, cognitive decline, bone loss, muscle atrophy, and mental health concerns. Dysbiotic changes in the gut, nose, […]
space travel
Potential for Synbiotics in Space Travel
Rocketing to outer space may be one escape from earthly pandemics. But as any astronaut can attest, entering microgravity poses its own unique health challenges. For example, gut function and numerous bodily systems are impacted. Scientists now believe that the microbiota of the gut may be a novel target for combatting some of these observed […]
Microbes of Female Astronauts Figure in Space Travel
Since the first human soared into space in 1961, more than 500 others have followed. Only the healthiest of humans pass the mental and physical bars to become astronauts. Observing an astronaut arrive back on earth—most often carried on a gurney because of the effects of prolonged weightlessness—is to witness a small slice of the […]