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Review
Some people may have seen the sci-fi film "Fantastic Four", in which several protagonists are scientists working in space, and each of them awakens their superpowers because of the radiation of cosmic energy.
All viewers should think it's just a funny fantasy, but what would you think if I told you that in reality, astronauts do have genetic mutations after they go into space?
The astronauts mutated
There are twin brothers in the United States, one is an astronaut and the other is a retired space hero. They are Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly. The two brothers became the focus of a special NASA study to compare the changes that occur in their bodies in space and on Earth.
Scott Kelly spent more than 500 days in the universe between 2015 and 2016, while his brother Mark Kelly waited on the ground for his brother's return. When Scott Kelly returned to Earth, scientists tested their physical indicators as usual and discovered a strange phenomenon.
While digging into their DNA information, scientists discovered that Scott Kelly's DNA had actually undergone significant changes. His chromosomal telomeres, a kind of DNA-protecting "hat", are a little longer than his brother Mark's.
Telomere length is related to the aging of the person, and in general, telomeres become shorter with age, and telomere growth may indicate an acceleration of cell division.
Could it be that he ages faster in space? Not really, because scientists have found that after returning to Earth, his telomeres gradually returned to normal, and his overall health did not deteriorate significantly.
However, Scott Kelly's and Mark Kelly's research is not alone. Scientists have found that other astronauts have undergone similar changes. Between 1998 and 2001, 14 astronauts were on space missions, and scientists took blood samples from them and were surprised to find that each astronaut had mutated in their genes.
These mutations may be the effects of space radiation on human DNA, as radiation in space is much stronger than on Earth, and astronauts' protective suits do not completely block them.
Are these mutations dangerous
Before we explain this, we need to understand that mutation is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it can even help humans adapt to different environments, such as mutations in the hemoglobin gene in some people, which can make it easier for them to breathe at high altitudes.
In addition, genetic mutations are also a key factor in human evolution. Without genetic mutations, we would still be primitive. Therefore, there is no need to be overly afraid of genetic mutations, which may be a form of natural regulation.
Second, it's important to understand that genetic mutations are not permanent. Some genetic mutations can be gradually recovered over a period of time, such as the aforementioned Scott Kelly's chromosomal telomeres, which gradually recovered after he returned to Earth.
Moreover, not all cells are affected by genetic mutations, and some only affect some cells, such as blood cells, but not other tissues and organs. Therefore, there is no need to be too categorical about genetic mutations, they can also be a temporary change.
Finally, it's important to understand that a genetic mutation doesn't necessarily cause a disease or disorder. Some genetic mutations, such as changes in eye color or hair color, are not obvious, but they do not affect vision or health.
Of course, it is true that some genetic mutations may increase the risk of disease, such as susceptibility to cancer or genetic diseases, but this does not mean that they will occur, because the occurrence of diseases is also affected by other factors, such as environment, lifestyle Xi and immune system. Therefore, there is no need to be overly pessimistic about genetic mutations, they may just be an innocuous phenomenon.
The universe is the home of mankind
Although the mutation of astronauts in space is only a temporary change, it has also caused a lot of discussion. In particular, there is a voice that says that human beings are supposed to come from the universe, that this change in astronauts is a harbinger of our return to the way we were, and that the earth is a cage that limits our abilities and who we are.
These people feel that Earth is a kind of prison for the soul of man, and that humanity is seen as a confined existence on this planet. They point out that humans are extremely sensitive to light and at the same time cannot escape the gravitational pull of the Earth.
To them, it seems to be a design that deliberately makes it impossible for humans to leave the Earth, explore the universe, and discover their true identity. These people also believe that the whole world is an illusory simulation used to make humanity forget its past and its soul, and that it is necessary to awaken the soul in order to return to its true home, the universe.
This idea sounds interesting and imaginative, but is there any scientific basis for it? Actually, no. This view is based entirely on subjective speculation and lacks objective evidence and logical support.
It ignores human dependence and affection for the earth, exploration and Xi of the universe, and human diversity and creativity. It sees humans as passive victims, rather than active participants. Think of the earth as a prison, not a cradle.
In fact, the earth is the home of humanity and at the same time the starting point. Humans are a product of the planet and contributors to it. We are here to survive and thrive, and here to protect and improve the environment. We have a deep affection and responsibility for the planet, and at the same time we are in awe and gratitude for it.
Human beings enter the universe not to escape from the earth, but to expand our home, to find the earth's partners, and to explore the meaning of the earth. The genetic changes of human beings in the universe are not to return to the original state, but to adapt to the new environment, open up new possibilities, and create a new future.
epilogue
In our journey to discover the mysteries of the universe, we have discovered many subtle connections between the human body and the universe. Although genetic mutations were found in astronauts' blood samples, this does not mean that we are prisoners "imprisoned" on Earth.
On the contrary, these discoveries open new doors for us to explore the mysteries of the universe and give us a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and the universe.
Perhaps, the earth is our cradle, but we are not bound to this land. Our future is not only on this blue planet, but also among the distant stars.
Through in-depth scientific research, we may be able to unravel more mysteries in the universe and better understand ourselves. In this boundless sea of stars, human beings may really be travelers in the universe, and every subtle change in genes is a chapter in our dialogue with the universe. Stepping out of the earth and welcoming the stars is our unremitting pursuit of dreams.
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