Scott Kelly's Year In Space: How The Body Changes--- Science Blog Post

American astronaut Scott Kelly finally returned home from his Year In Space on March 3, 2016.  Now, researchers are in the process of monitoring his health, seeking to understand the effects of the body in space.  So, what exactly are the effects that scientists are trying to understand?

One effect is that astronaut’s bones become brittle, as astronauts do not walk in space.  Because of this, the bones release calcium.  Calcium makes your bones strong.  This release creates an increased risk of kidney stone formation, and bone fractures.

Also, in space, astronauts don't use their muscles like they do on Earth, leading to weaker muscles.  This is why astronauts are put in wheeled-chairs for a while.  They need time to get used to gravity!  Speaking of weaker muscles, an astronaut’s heart can become smaller because the heart doesn’t have to work as hard in space.    

Puffy faces and legs also occur.  This happens because, while astronauts are enjoying their time in space, blood flows more in the upper part of the body as opposed to the lower half.

Also, part of your inner eye using gravity to correct your sense of balance. Again, there is no gravity in space.  When first coming back to Earth, astronauts may endure things like loss of direction, space motion sickness, and disorientation.

Astronauts being exposed to radiation is very common in space, leading to an increased risk of cancer and cataracts.  

Also, the astronaut’s body clock gets a bit messed up.  It takes time to readjust to the light and dark hours of Earth.

Finally, astronauts get a bit taller during their stay in space.  The vertebrae in your spinal cord spreads out a bit in the absence of gravity.  Scott Kelly can back to Earth temporarily 2 inches taller than when he left! I say temporarily because gravity will eventually correct this.

Through there are many risks that come with space, but maybe someday in the future we will be able to conquer them and expand the human race to Mars and beyond! #YearInSpace #MissionToMars #NASA #InternationalSpaceStation

For More Information, Visit:  http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/nasa-s-scott-kelly-grew-2-inches-body-after-year-n530456