Space travel induces biological changes in astronauts that resemble the aging process, providing a unique opportunity for aging studies. While there is no measurable biological aging, astronauts experience effects similar to aging due to prolonged exposure to microgravity and radiation. Notably, astronaut Mark Kelly is approximately one millisecond younger than his twin brother, a difference attributed to time dilation effects, though not significant in biological terms. The discussion emphasizes the need for further exploration of the biological impacts of microgravity and radiation on human health.
PREREQUISITESResearchers in space medicine, gerontologists, and anyone interested in the intersection of space travel and biological aging will benefit from this discussion.
Yes, there are various things about being in space (read the article) that affect the body. There is no measurable(*) amount of ACTUAL aging, but the effects can be similar to aging.redferry said:Changes in the body that come from space travel resemble growing older, providing opportunities to perform aging studies on astronauts.
https://www.nmn.com/news/how-does-space-travel-affect-natural-aging
Any validity to this?
That's true, but not what the article is about. It's talking about biological effects of zero gravity and radiation hazards and what have you, not relativity.phinds said:Yes, although not really, with current technology. Differential aging is real and astronaut Mark Kelly, I think it is, is about an added millisecond younger than his twin brother compared to what he would be if he had not gone to space for a year. The difference can be computed but cannot be measured into biological functions.
Yep. I totally edited the post before I saw your post, having realized that was not what the article was about.Ibix said:That's true, but not what the article is about. It's talking about biological efects of zero gravity and radiation hazards and what have you, not relativity.