Why do astronauts’ bodies wear out? Space Station study points to mitochondria0

• SCIENCE, Science / Health, Science Mission Directorate, scientists, Space, Space Communications & Navigation Program, Space Launch System (SLS), Space Telescope, space-x-ipo, SpaceX
• July 16, 2026

Mitochondria (green in this false-color transmission electron micrograph) may play a role in the physiological effects of microgravity.Credit: José Calvo/Scientific Photography Library Researchers have found that exposure to microgravity aboard the International Space Station causes mitochondria in human cells and worms to produce fewer proteins. The work also identified a previously unknown molecular pathway that