Two NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams finally retrieved themselves from the International Space Station (ISS) after nine months spent in an unplanned extension.
Multiple scientists explain that space exposure causes unexpected changes to human hair after astronauts returned to Earth.
NASA originally planned for the pair to stay in space only during a period of eight days.
The spacecraft spacecraft technical issues kept Boeing Starliner spacecraft and its occupants in orbit while they waited 286 days before getting a safe return flight.
Williams revealed a totally different look upon the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule’s docking at the Florida coast.
The transformation of her black hair to include silver strands became a focal point for many who discussed space-induced body changes.
Researchers have documented space-related impacts on human muscles and bones and vision while newly discovered evidence shows that microgravity has major effects on hair development together with color changes.
Research has shown that prolonged space exposure modifies how hair follicles express their genes.
Research conducted by JAXA proved that particular hair development genes stopped functioning properly during spaceflight missions thus delaying hair regeneration naturally.
People in space conditions experience elevated oxidative stress that damages hair cells which can possibly result in early hair graying.
The space environment enhances stress levels among astronauts because it combines with their experiencing solitude and disrupted sleep and psychological strain.
The phenomenon, known as “long-term spaceflight composite stress,” has been linked to accelerated aging and cellular changes in astronauts.
Social mediaactivists immediately began mentioning potential causes behind Williams’ appearance change.
Even though people made light comments about her empty hair dye supply and speculated about hers mission being a fake because of her unexpected dark hair color after returning to Earth.
Scientists have confirmed that human bodies experience long-lasting biological changes from flights into space which include unexpected side effects of hair loss and color changes.
According to Dr. Masahiro Terada of JAXA’s lead research team hair follicle gene expression consistently alters during extended duration space flights.
The results from these studies establish concerns about the effects that extended space flight will have on astronauts who will participate in deep-space missions to Mars.
The absence of Earth gravity seems to induce biological effects on humans which scientists are currently working to understand.
Astronauts usually notice their hair thinning alongside the development of grey hair because spaceflight generates stress combined with oxidative damage.
The astronauts Wilmore and Williams showed positive spirits as they arrived back on Earth even though transformations were dramatic.
NASA carries out expanded research regarding hair and overall human aging outcomes from zero-gravity exposure.
The most astonishing discovery emerged only after the completion of medical tests.
The prolonged time spent in space accelerates hair greying according to scientists and it also alters the structure of human hair permanently.
Deep-space exploration will become more challenging because scientists discovered astronauts experience permanent hair changes while in space.
Feature Image Credit: (REUTERS) (AP) (NASA) and (X)