Ways in which men, women adapt to spaceflight investigated in a study led by NASA and National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI). In response to a 2011 report from a National Academy of Sciences survey, which highlighted the need to take a closer look at various psychological and physiological changes that occur during men and women in spaceflight, the two organizations compiled six workgroups to investigate current published and unpublished research data on humans and animals in spaceflight.

The groups specifically focused on immunological, cardiovascular, sensorimotor, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and behavioral impacts among men and women during spaceflight. The organizations hosted a virtual workshop to present their findings in 2013. Manuscripts were also published in the November 14 issue of the Journal of Women’s Health.

Health and safety considerations for astronauts have become increasingly complex following longer spaceflights that go deeper into the solar system. Together, NASA and NSBRI are researching countermeasures to help reduce risks and are developing technologies to advance human health and ensure reliable performance on deep space missions.

The organizations are focusing on personalized medicine for astronauts who could spend years living and working in outer space.This personalized medicine revolves around the individual’s sex and gender. For the purpose of the investigation, sex is defined as classification as male or female depending on one’s genetics while gender refers to an individual’s self-representation as male or female during social interactions.

Dr. Marshall Porterfield, Director of Space Life and Physical Sciences Research at NASA Headquarters, said in a statement, “Fortunately, we have the International Space Station.” He continued, “Station provides us with years of biological data on male and female astronauts, and many of them continue to participate in ground-based studies to evaluate the lasting effects of spaceflight.”

According to nsbri.org, problems noted among astronauts on long missions include breakdown of bones and loss of calcium, making bones brittle and weak, and muscle atrophy in the leg and back muscles that are often used for posture.