Scientists have discovered how living cells may respond and adapt to the near weightlessness experienced in space. The discovery could help protect astronauts from the adverse health risks associated with long-term space missions.
While space isn't completely free of the effect of gravity, especially immediately around Earth, this fundamental force is much weaker in orbit than on the surface of our planet. For instance, the effect of gravity at the International Space Station (ISS), just 220 miles (354 km) above Earth's surface, is 90% weaker than on terra firma. This limited gravity is described as "microgravity" and it is known to trigger certain stress responses in the cells of living creatures.
