astronaut health

Latest in astronaut health

Researchers have found that human stem cells are constantly under stress in the microgravity of space, activating the "dark genome."

When Astronauts Enter Space, a “Dark Genome” Activates in Their DNA

By Victor Tangermann

Scientists studied the cognitive behavior of astronauts who have spent six months on board the ISS and made some fascinating discoveries.

Something Is Malfunctioning With Astronauts’ Brains

By Victor Tangermann

Scientists have come up with a surprising new way for astronauts to stay in shape on the surface of the Moon: a "lunar Wall of Death."

Scientists Propose Building “Wall of Death” on the Moon

By Victor Tangermann

After examining blood samples from 14 NASA astronauts, researchers found that samples from all 14 astronauts showed mutations in their DNA.

Scientists Found Genetic Mutations in Every Astronaut Blood Sample They Studied

By Victor Tangermann

A shocking new study has found that spending months in space can result in the equivalent of two decades worth of bone loss for astronauts.

Disturbing Discovery Finds That Space Does Something Bad to Astronauts’ Bones

By Noor Al-Sibai

NASA revealed that Mark Vande Hei, a current crew member on board the International Space Station, suffered a "minor medical issue." Now we know what it is.

NASA Canceled Spacewalk Because Astronaut Had Pinched Nerve

By Victor Tangermann

Scientists are worried that spending prolonged periods of time in the microgravity of space could have negative effects on the spines of astronauts.

NASA Concerned That Space Is Destroying Astronauts’ Spines

By Victor Tangermann

When French astronaut Thomas Pesquet will jet off to the International Space Station tomorrow morning, he can look forward to some pretty fantastic meals.

Huh, Turns Out Space Food Has Gone From Gross to “Pretty Fantastic”

By Victor Tangermann

A team of researchers have created a negative pressure "gravity suit" to help astronauts counteract some of the dangers of spending time in microgravity.

Researchers Built a “Gravity Suit” to Keep Astronauts Healthy

By Victor Tangermann

One of the earliest examples of space travelers becoming ill was during the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, when astronaut Wally Schirra got a bad head cold.

When Astronauts Got Sick on an Apollo Mission, It Was a Disaster

By Victor Tangermann

A new study suggests that long exposure to microgravity caused long-term expansions in astronauts' brains and cerebrospinal fluid.

New Research: Space Travel Causes Astronauts’ Brains to Expand

By Victor Tangermann

According to a shocking new report by NASA scientists, blood flow can stop and even reverse in the upper bodies of astronauts.

NASA Research: Astronauts Are Getting Clots, Bizarre Blood Flow

By Victor Tangermann

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that astronauts who spent more than six months in space had fewer cells capable of fighting off leukemia.

New Research: Space Travel Hurts Cells That Fight Cancer

By Victor Tangermann

UK researchers are ready to launch a study in which they'll vibrate people's limbs in an attempt to prevent a decrease in bone density.

Health & Medicine

Vibrating Astronauts’ Legs Could Keep Their Bones Strong

By Kristin Houser

Astronauts and professional athletes have similar mortality rates, according to a new study, which suggests that space travel doesn't cause premature death.

Space Travel Doesn’t Seem to Shorten Astronauts’ Lives, Says Study

By Kristin Houser

Experts in the 3D bioprinting and regenerative health field got together to come up with ways space agencies could use the technology to treat astronauts.

To Heal Injured Astronauts, Experts Want to 3D Print “Skin, Bone and Body Parts”

By Victor Tangermann