BBC News School Report @ LCS

The twin which went to space for the experiment.

Two identical twins have proved that after space travel they might not be identical anymore.

Scott is a retired American Astronaut who has an identical twin brother; Mark. However, they may no longer be identical after Scott spent a year living in space. He went on a 340 day voyage in the international space station.

Scott and Mark took part in a study called Twins Study. It was created to test what the long term space travel does to the human body. Both the brothers are retired astronauts however, Scott went up and Mark stayed down on Earth so they could tell what changes occurred. Both brothers were tested so it was scientifically clear that they had the same genes.

During his time on the space station Scott has grown 2 inches. Also during this time his body mass had decreased and his gut bacteria is completely different. According to NASA researchers, his genetic code is significantly different. Because of Scott’s year in orbit many space genes may have activated. This will have altered Scott’s immune system, bone formation, eyesight and other bodily processes. When he returned to Earth, 7% of his genetic code has changed permanently.

Going to space is a very unique way of being different. The rest of us are just going to have to settle for something a little more normal. Such as new clothes, or a new haircut.