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The case for space as a model of accelerated aging
Using Space Travel as a Model for Faster Aging
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Abstract
Astronauts experience accelerated declines in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, cognitive, and immune functions that may resemble aging.
- Healthy astronauts show many hallmarks of aging due to spaceflight.
- Four core environmental factors drive these aging-like changes: microgravity, circadian disruption, ionizing radiation, and social isolation.
- Biological processes affected include mitochondrial dysfunction, altered cell structure dynamics, and chronic inflammation.
- Spaceflight may serve as a valuable model for understanding human aging.
- Insights gained could contribute to improving astronaut health and the healthspan of aging populations on Earth.
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