There were several marked differences between viral, bacterial and fungal micrbiomes observed in gut bacteria between both twins at all times. The dominant change observed was a shift in the ratio between two of the most dominant groups of bacteria in Scott's gut microbiome. However, the changes reversed to normal after he returned back to earth. In general, there were several other minor changes and differences between the gut microbiome of both twins during the mission which could have been the result of a different diet and environment.
The entire study is yet to be published as it is still going on and hopefully will yield even more startling results. The Human Research Program is an initiative by NASA that dedicates itself to discovering new methods and technology to produce safer means of space travel. The main goal of the Human Research Program and its genetic studies is to create a safe environment for astronauts to ultimately travel to Mars. NASA’s twin space study is coinciding with the most powerful spacecraft built for a Mars mission scheduled for 2030.
Image Source: www.jpl.nasa.gov
NASA has an ongoing ambitious project of sending astronauts to mars whose foundation has been built upon the several robotic space missions to the red planet. It also centers on the SLS or space launch system that will ultimately be the most powerful rocket system ever built to send astronauts deep into the solar system. A spacecraft for this purpose is NASA's Orion which will also be the most powerful exploration vehicle that will protect astronauts in their journey to deep space, provide emergency abort facilities and sustain crews during space travel as well as providing a safe environment for re-entry back to earth. The main thrust capacity of the rocket system or thrust vector control is being constructed by a team led by engineer Leonardo Barreda at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center.
The Orion will be launched with the help of the SLS or space launch system. Ground testing of the Orion began on Oct 30th, 2017 as intensive preparations are underway for an expected launch date sometime in 2013 when humans will finally set foot on Mars. The NASA twins study will also help the mission create safer and protective environments for astronauts in space.
Image Source: www.jpl.nasa.gov