Spend 60 days in bed. This is the mission for which the US space agency NASA and ESA the European space agency are currently looking for 24 candidates. Once recruited, these twelve men and twelve women will have to remain sedentary while spending their time lying in a bed… the head tilted at 6 degrees. In addition to the 60 days, 26 days of acclimatization and recovery will be added.
The objective of this experience while sleeping upright? Study the impact of artificial gravity on the organism and ultimately help astronauts stay healthy in space.
As ESA explains on his site, bed rest is not a new method as it is used to mimic the changes the body undergoes in weightlessness in space. So far, to avoid weakening bones and muscles and mitigate the effects of microgravity, astronauts exercise 2.5 hours a day aboard the International Space Station and commit to a balanced diet. “Adding a dose of artificial gravity could be essential during long-term missions,” says ESA.
A highly paid experience
During the experiment, the 24 guinea pigs should stay in bed and keep their heads tilted 6 ° below the horizontal, making sure that one of their shoulders touches the mattress at all times. In this anything but comfortable position, blood will flow through the head and the muscles will be starved of oxygen. Once a day, the volunteers will be exposed to a kind of centrifuge which will allow the blood to flow back to the feet and observe the effects of artificial gravity.
Researchers will also run tests to find the right diet and the best exercise options. Researchers will observe other parameters such as cardiovascular function, balance, muscle strength, metabolism and cognitive performance.
Interested? The experiment will take place in Cologne, Germany from September. Researchers are primarily looking for women between the ages of 24 and 55. Candidates will be remunerated up to 16,000 euros.
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