Coloradoan

DENVER — Colorado State University researchers are working on a NASA study examining the impact of prolonged space flight on the human body.

The Denver Post reports that CSU researcher Susan Bailey and her team are among scientists from 10 laboratories involved in the NASA Twin Study. They are comparing blood samples from astronaut Scott Kelly, who was set to return to Earth Tuesday, and his twin brother, former astronaut Mark Kelly.

The samples will help scientists determine what changes Scott Kelly's chromosomes have gone through during his 340-day space station stay.

Bailey's team is focusing their work at CSU on the impacts of radiation and stress on cells that could increase risk for cancer.

The study will help NASA prepare its Mars explorers, who will spend more time in space.

TEDxCSU coming Saturday