Microgravity could pose significant health risks for some older space tourists, placing a dangerous strain on those with weak hearts, scientists have warned.
Astronauts typically undergo intensive physical training before missions, but the advent of space tourism means those travelling above Earth’s atmosphere are often older and less physically fit than before.
Microgravity is known to be demanding on the body, leading to the redistribution of bodily fluids that causes “puffy face bird leg” syndrome – with a swollen, puffy face and skinny legs – and changes to the cardiovascular system.
Scientists wanted to know how that could impact older people, who tend to have a higher proportion of heart problems.
“Heart failure alone affects over 100 million people globally. Traditionally, space medicine has focused on the effects of microgravity on healthy astronauts,” wrote Dr Lex van Loon, an assistant professor at the Australian National University and the University of Twente in the Netherlands, co-author of a paper published on Frontiers website.
“However, the inclusion of non-professional astronauts with pre-existing health conditions demands a deeper understanding of how microgravity impacts these individuals.”
Dr van Loon and his colleagues used models to simulate space conditions to see how they may fare in space.
The results were concerning.
“Our simulations revealed that entry into microgravity increases cardiac output in all individuals. However, for heart failure patients, this increase in cardiac output is accompanied by a dangerous rise in left atrial pressure, which can lead to pulmonary edema – a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe,” wrote the researchers.
Future of space tourism
Space tourism is becoming increasingly more popular.
This month, Virgin Galactic launched six people to suborbital space, including three paying space tourists at reportedly $450,000 for a seat.
It was the final flight of the VSS Unity space plane before Virgin Galactic develops its next-generation Delta spaceships. The company is hoping these will allow it to operate more frequent flights at higher revenue.
Dr van Loon said his study findings highlight the importance of further research into the long-term effects of space travel on cardiovascular health.
One promising avenue for future research and safety in space travel, he said, is the development of human digital twins – a highly detailed virtual model of an individual's physiological systems.
“By creating these digital replicas, we can simulate various scenarios and predict how different conditions, such as microgravity, might affect an individual's health. This approach allows for personalised risk assessments and tailored countermeasures,” said Dr van Loon.
Virgin Galactic launches second commercial space flight – in pictures
That would help simulate how various different heart conditions would respond to the stresses of space travel.
“The dream of space travel is closer than ever, but with it comes the responsibility to understand and mitigate the health risks associated with this new frontier,” he said.
“Our computational modelling provides a critical step toward ensuring that space travel is safe for everyone, including those with heart failure.
“As we continue to push the boundaries of exploration, integrating advanced technologies like human digital twins will be crucial in protecting the health and well-being of all who venture into the final frontier.”
Microgravity is also known to affect the immune system, putting astronauts at risk of infections and skin conditions.
Recent research has discovered why this occurs, with “huge implications” for our understanding of ageing, because the changes seen to cells in space are also observed as we get older.
The work helped researchers build a picture of how immune system cells like lymphocytes and monocytes are changed by reduced gravity.
They discovered that the process alters the cells’ function at the single cell level – changes which are also observed during the normal ageing process.
Researchers also found a plant pigment called quercetin reversed approximately 70 per cent of the changes caused by lack of gravity.
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
THE%20HOLDOVERS
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The specs: 2018 Renault Koleos
Price, base: From Dh77,900
Engine: 2.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 170hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.3L / 100km
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BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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THE SPECS
GMC Sierra Denali 1500
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Price: Dh232,500
Yemen's Bahais and the charges they often face
The Baha'i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha'i faith in 1844.
The Baha'i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran.
Today, some 2,000 Baha'is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf.
"The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen," the charge sheet said.
Baha'Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith's highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer.
The Houthis cite this as collective "evidence" of Bahai "links" to Israel - which the Houthis consider their enemy.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
