Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32575: Mapping the Epigenetic Footprint of Spaceflight: A Timeline of Genetic Change

In this innovative research, scientists explored how the environment of space alters gene expression through changes in DNA and RNA methylation—the molecular tags that help regulate when and how genes are activated. Titled 'The Landscape of DNA and RNA Methylation Before, During, and After Human Space Travel,' this study forms a molecular timeline of epigenetic modifications, leveraging data from a twin astronaut who spent nearly a year on the International Space Station.

By analyzing blood and tissue samples across three phases—pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight—the researchers identified how spaceflight leads to specific methylation changes. These changes are linked to stress response, DNA repair, and immune system regulation. Some alterations were reversible, while others suggested long-term or even permanent shifts in cellular behavior.

This temporal view offers crucial insights for future missions. If we understand when and how these changes occur, space agencies can better design countermeasures to protect astronaut health. Beyond that, the findings contribute to broader scientific understanding of how extreme environments impact human biology at a foundational level.

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