Preliminary results from NASA’s twins study reveals that after spending a year in space 7% of Scott Kelley’s genetic expression has changed. It has been concluded that how his genes function within cells did not return to baseline after his return to Earth two years ago. Research studied what happened to Kelley before, during and after he spent a year aboard the International Space Station through an extensive comparison while his identical twin, Mark remained on Earth.
With that said, although Scott’s genetic expression changed, he and Mark are still theoretically identical. The change Scott experienced (gene expression) is how the human body reacts to the environment. Scott’s transformation suggests longer-term alterations related to at least 5 biological functions and pathways.
What? My DNA changed by 7%! Who knew? I just learned about it in this article. This could be good news! I no longer have to call @ShuttleCDRKelly my identical twin brother anymore. https://t.co/6idMFtu7l5
— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) March 10, 2018
RESEARCH
In the study; Scott’s physical changes caused by time in space were tracked. They measured Scott’s proteins which are workhorses within each cell before, during and after his mission; metabolites which are necessary for maintaining life; and cytokines which are secreted by immune system cells. Focus was placed on chemical changes in RNA and DNA.
RESULTS
The 7% change are alterations, found only after spaceflight, are thought to be caused by the stresses of space travel. And, according to NASA, Scott’s 340 days in orbit may have ultimately activated what scientists describe as “space genes” and the 7% change of gene expression is very minimal. The stresses of space travel can trigger the assembly of new molecules, like a fat or protein, cellular degradation; and can turn genes on and off, which change cellular function. Researchers found that Scott’s long-term changes were related to his immune system, DNA repair, bone formation networks, hypoxia and hypercapnia.
(Here are the brothers side by side)
Happy to be in #NewYorkCity tonight! Excited to hear about the #LegendaryFuture of @Breitling! #Navitimer8 pic.twitter.com/42txPFfDRy
— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) February 23, 2018
FINAL VERDICT
Dr. Richard Wintle, assistant director of the Centre for Applied Genomics at SickKids hospital in Toronto, says that it wasn’t so much that Scott’s DNA changed, but rather how his genetics were switched on and off during a period of time. He adds that they are not permanent changes, but rather our genes; depending on the environment we’re in, get turned on and off. Wintle says he is not surprised his genetic make up has changed as he has done something extreme and unusual and it’s not surprising that different genes are active in space. Exposing your body in space, he adds, also means exposure to cosmic radiation, which could explain changes in Scott’s bones. He further adds that, he looks forward to seeing this research done on a larger scale.
