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Astronauts' Hearts Change Shape In Space

Posted by samzenpus on from the feeling-round dept.

sciencehabit (1205606) writes "Astronauts who go into space come back with rounder hearts. Scientists who had astronauts regularly take images of their hearts with ultrasound machines found that the organ becomes more spherical in space by a factor of 9.4%. The researchers believe the change in shape, which is temporary, indicates that the heart is performing less efficiently in zero gravity."

2 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. Before I buy that Virgin Galactic ticket, tell me: by QilessQi · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...do any other, ahem, organs become more spherical? Because that could be a deal breaker.

    --
    Koans and fables for the software engineer
  2. I astronaut-heart you by buchner.johannes · · Score: 5, Funny

    I O U

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    NB: The message above might reflect my opinion right now, but not necessarily tomorrow or next year.