Profesion where you need sleep for 2 months!

Get ready for the ultimate sleepover! Twelve brave volunteers are about to embark on an extraordinary space-like experience without leaving the comfort of their beds. This unique experiment involves staying in bed for a whopping two months, but this is no ordinary slumber party. These volunteers are actually assisting scientists in finding ways to maintain astronauts' muscle strength during space travel.

When we venture into space, our bodies undergo significant changes. While we are perfectly adapted to thrive on Earth, where the atmosphere and gravity keep everything in balance, things become more complicated once we leave our cozy home. Scientists even suggest that we may need to modify our DNA to make space travel safer and more manageable.

Let's talk about microgravity, the formidable challenge of long space missions. In microgravity, astronauts float weightlessly, effortlessly moving heavy objects through the air like weightless superheroes. It may seem exciting at first, but it wreaks havoc on our bodies. Our muscles require regular exercise and movement to stay healthy and grow. However, in space, there is insufficient weight and resistance for muscles to work against. Consequently, they do not receive the necessary workout, leading to trouble.

Within a few days of experiencing microgravity, astronauts can lose up to 20 percent of their muscle mass, primarily affecting the muscles responsible for walking and maintaining posture. So why does this happen? In space, muscle cells produce fewer proteins than they do on Earth. Proteins serve as the building blocks that make our muscles strong and healthy. Without an adequate supply, the muscles weaken and shrink. Scientists have been studying this phenomenon and have discovered that it is not the muscles breaking down but rather the muscle cells failing to produce enough new proteins. It's as if the muscle-building factory slows down in space.

Naturally, scientists were perplexed. After all, astronauts need strength to perform their duties and navigate when they return to Earth or explore other celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Thus, researchers began exploring ways to help individuals maintain their muscles in microgravity. This research would be invaluable not only for current astronauts but also for future space missions, such as those to Mars.

Now, let's return to the recent study funded by the French space agency. The idea behind the study was to simulate the effects of microgravity on the human body. Imagine lying on a bed tilted six degrees below horizontal, with your feet elevated. Here's the catch: at least one shoulder must always touch the mattress. This peculiar position causes blood and fluid to rush to the head, mimicking the effects of microgravity over time. This simulated condition weakens the muscles, similar to what happens to astronauts during prolonged missions.

However, there is a plan to combat muscle loss. The volunteers are divided into three groups. The first group rests the entire time (lucky dogs). The second group exercises on an attached exercise bike, mimicking the routine of astronauts in space. The third group has a little extra fun. They spin on a centrifuge machine while exercising. It's like being on a cosmic amusement park ride. By adding this spin to the exercise routine, scientists hope to discover the magic of artificial gravity and counteract the loss of gravity experienced in space. Who knows, perhaps it will even enhance the muscle gains from exercise.

Meanwhile, NASA scientists are also working on solving the problem of muscle loss in space. They want to understand why our muscles weaken and how to prevent it. By comparing people in space to those on Earth, they can identify the differences. So far, they have discovered that a healthy diet and exercise are crucial for maintaining strong muscles throughout our lives. High-intensity workouts are like superheroes for muscle health. Astronauts on the International Space Station have access to a special machine called the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) to help them stay strong. They receive a prescription for over two hours of exercise daily, involving activities like jumping and stretching in the space gym. Additionally, a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, protects muscles from atrophy by providing the necessary fuel to keep them strong.

As NASA plans missions to the Moon and Mars, they prioritize ensuring that astronauts remain strong and healthy. They continue to conduct research on the International Space Station to determine the best methods for keeping our space travelers in tip-top shape. Recently, they funded a fascinating study that lasted 70 days. Since using real astronauts as test subjects is impractical, they recruited volunteers willing to undergo a process called head-down bed rest for 70 days. This technique simulates the microgravity environment experienced by astronauts. Some participants rested in bed without exercise or supplements (the control group), while others exercised with a placebo or received testosterone injections and exercise. The researchers took small muscle samples from the participants' thighs to examine the proteins and muscle health. The results were intriguing.

The study revealed that exercise can make a significant difference. When people exercise, the proteins in their muscles become healthier and better organized, akin to tidying up a room and making everything neat and orderly. The researchers also tested the hormone testosterone and found that it enhanced muscle growth, surpassing the effects of exercise alone. Moreover, they discovered special markers in the test subjects that can predict muscle loss and indicate how individuals will respond to exercise and treatment. These markers could help create personalized programs for astronauts, determining the best exercises and hormones to maintain their muscle strength and health. This personalized approach is like having a tailor-made plan for each individual. The knowledge gained from these studies could also contribute to designing better treatments for the elderly and patients with similar conditions here on Earth.

So let's cheer on these brave volunteers! Muscle loss is not the only challenge astronauts face. Cosmic radiation, fast particles speeding through space, can be harmful. Furthermore, living in space means being separated from friends and family for extended periods, experiencing isolation in a confined spacecraft. The cramped spaceship is akin to living in a small closet for months on end. As you can see, our bodies undergo numerous changes in microgravity, and addressing each challenge one by one is essential. It's truly fascinating how our bodies adapt to different environments. Let's applaud the researchers as they unlock the secrets of maintaining strong health in space, helping our astronauts stay fit for their adventures and perhaps discovering ways to keep our muscles strong here on Earth. How awesome is that? Stay tuned!