Post created by Elsie
Among Us! An online multiplayer game that has been sweeping the nation in its popularity, drawing millions to play and providing them fun during this dreary pandemic. One might ask what makes this mobile game so captivating? Perhaps it is the simple but memorable designs of the brightly colored suited bean-people, or the fun head decorations like eggs, toilet paper, and other hats. It could also perhaps be the lure of both teamwork to finish tasks as fast as possible and the lurking betrayal of murder from one-three others of your crew that excites people. Whatever it is, this mafia/murder game with unique twists, open discussion, and different levels has drawn in more than 3.8 million players just by the end of September itself. Though the game has been out for about 2 years, it has seen an epic rise in not only downloads, but fanart and memes throughout the Internet. I for one began playing the game in early March when my college shut down, scattering my friends and I throughout the nation. It had not yet become so well-known during that time, but it does not surprise me now that millions of others love the game just as my friends and I do. Hours of rounds, laughter at mistakes and cleverness, and exclamations at wins or loses still stick in my mind and will remain happy memories in a time where we were disheartened by the world’s circumstances.
But you may be asking, what does Among Us have to do with Anatomy and Physiology? Well, for one, there are real people in the position of the Among Us game. What?! Yes! Astronauts at the International Space Station are a crew of individuals who are performing tasks, fixing machines, conducting experiments, and are in isolation with only each other for an extended amount of time. Just like the Among Us game premise. Now, they may not have to fear the threat of disguised imposters who will kill them the moment they are alone together with their large, disembodied floating hands and an array of weapons, but there are plenty other dangers in space that affect their bodies. From bone loss to fatigue, to altered immune systems, to space radiation, to muscle deterioration, to lack of nutrition, there are many risks and health problems that can come from being in space for so long.
For one, the difference in the gravity fields on Earth and in space are vastly different. That means transitioning between these differences can affect the body in extreme ways. Astronauts are prey to motion sickness due to the affect gravity will have on their spatial orientation, hand-eye and head-eye coordination, balance, and locomotion. Also, a lack of gravity on the body contributes to loss in bone density up to 1% per month! Compared to the Earth rates of elderly women and men losing a bone density of 1-1.5% per year, this is a far greater rate of loss. Even when returning to earth it will take rehabilitation, and still astronauts will be at greater risk for osteoporosis-fractures later in their life. Another threat they face is loss of muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular deconditioning. This is because floating through space takes far less effort in moving than traditionally on earth. In order to prevent that astronauts will have to eat and exercise properly. Fluids in the body will also shift upward due to the lack of gravity and this can create vision problems since it is putting pressure on their eyes.
Nutrition is also a big deal in space because of a lack of fresh foods and the means of variety. If astronauts are not careful and precise it could result in deficiency in nutrition. Nutrition is a key part of keeping the body functioning and healthy while also influencing many other systems within your body. Coupled with the fact astronauts’ circadian rhythm can be thrown off and result in fatigue, stress, and other possible cognitive conditions and psychiatric disorders, this all can contribute to flagging immune systems which are then susceptible to sickness and virus. All of this can take a huge toll on the human body and mind.
Another final effect of space travel or prolonged stay in space is the space radiation. On the space station, humans are receiving over ten times the radiation than what is naturally occurring on Earth, according to NASA. The Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field normally protects us, but those on the space station are without and are exposed to radiation that have numerous negative effects. Their risk for cancer is increased; the radiation can possibly damage their central nervous system; it can cause radiation sickness with symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue; and cause development of degenerative tissue diseases including and not limited to cataracts, cardiac, and circularity diseases. The food and medicine taken into space must also be able to retain their nutrient and pharmaceutical value even when exposed to this level of space radiation.
These are only some of the several threats that exist in space and challenge the human body while in its vast cosmos. There are quite a few others, but that is to be expected when traveling to airless planets, empty space, and the cold vacuum of worlds beyond our atmosphere. Humans however, are nothing if not resilient and smart. Faced with these obstacles, scientists at NASA and across the nation solve problems and equations, build solutions, and plan test runs to meet these risks and minimize them. Just as when you and your friends may gasp and exclaim that you should have seen coming who the imposters were and demand a rematch this time determined to win, humans in life regarding space do the same. Those preparing for space travel–the astronauts, scientists, engineers, biochemists, and everyone in between–pick themselves up from a failure or win, and continue to push for improvements and perfection.
References:
Abadie, Laurie J., et al. “The Human Body in Space.” Nasa.gov, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 6 Feb. 2020, www.nasa.gov/hrp/bodyinspace.
Lugris, Mark. “Among US Had 3.8 Million Concurrent Players Last Weekend.” Thegamer.com, Thegamer.com, 29 Sept. 2020, www.thegamer.com/among-us-3-8-million-concurrent-players-last-weekend/.