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Spaceflight accelerates the aging process in astronauts’ blood-forming cells. Research shows that after several weeks on the International Space Station, blood stem and progenitor cells lose their ability to renew themselves effectively, accumulate DNA damage, and shorten telomeres—classic signs of cellular aging.
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In microgravity, cells become overactive, come out of their protective resting state, and use up their resources faster. Additionally, mitochondrial stress signals and activation of previously “silent” regions of the genome are observed, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of disease.
