Worms In Space

Nature is full of odd connections. For example, a species of worm, according to a 2004 study done on ISS which has been confirmed by experiments aboard Chinese and Japanese probes, is a good substitute for humans when studying the effects of microgravity on muscles, and the effects of radiation on genes.

Two major issues to be solved before long term human spaceflights are undertaken are how to maintain muscle strength and mass over prolonged periods in microgravity, and how to combat genetic damage done by exposure to high levels of radiation. The C elegans species of roundworm, for whatever reason, reacts similarly to humans to both of those issues. Studying the worms, therefore, can give insight into how to resolve the human situation.