Question

17. Due to Mars having 38% less gravity than Earth, muscle mass and bone density
A. would increase in Martian humans
B. decrease in Martian humans
C. remain the same in Martian humans
18. During aging, the reduction of HCL by the stomach
A. causes constipation
B. increases appetite
C. reduces the adsorption of vitamin B12
D. increases the size of stomach

27. Lack of microbes on the sterile Martian surface may
A. weaken our immune system
B. amplify our immune system
C. have no effect on our immune system

31.Warming Mars could be accomplished by
A. using PFCs
B. positioning mirrors to reflect sunlight onto the planet
C. transferring nitrogen from Venus or Titan
D. all of the above

40. The nervous system is affected by aging due to
A. loss of white matter
B. increase lag time of firing neurons
C. increased susceptibility to illness

42. Changes in heart muscle mass in Martian humans will increase the likelihood of
A. hypertension
B. heart failure
C. diabetes
D. renal failure
43. Getting to Mars could be accomplished using this method, in which one small vehicle would be utilized to descend to the surface of Mars and return up to Mars’ orbit, where it will rendezvous with another spacecraft
A. Mars Orbit Rendezvous
B. Earth-Mars Rendezvous
C. Space X
47. Since the thymus gland atrophies as aging occurs,
A. immunity increases
B. immunity decreases
C. there is no change to immunity

Answer 1

17) Decrease in Martian humans

Bone loss occurs in the weightless environment of space because bones no longer have to support the body against gravity.

18) Increases the size of stomach

The mucus membrane of the stomach thins with age resulting in lower level of mucus, hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. This reduces the digestion of proteins and lead to chronic atrophic gastritis.

27) Weaken our immune system

Imbalances in the gut microbiota may disregulate immune responses and lead to the development of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune dysfunctions

31) positioning mirrors to reflect sunlight onto the planet.

This could be done by spreading dark dust from Mars moons, phobos and Deimos, which are among the blackest bodies in the solar system or by introducing dark extremophile microbial life form such as lichens, algae and bacteria. The ground would then absorb more sunlosun, warming the atmosphere.

40) Increased susceptibility to illness

The brain and nervous system go through natural changes. Brain and spinal cord lose nerve cell and weight (atrophy).

42) Heart failure

Microgravity affects the hearts ability to pump blood and provide oxygen to cells throughout the body, which can have serious health consequences, especially upon landing on a planet.

43) Mars orbit rendezvous

MOR is a space travel concept where two space craft meet up and /or dock in Mars orbit.

47) Immunity decreases

Thymic involution or thymic menopause is thought to be the cause of aging of the immune system where there is diminution of the thymic epithelium, decrease of T cell output and impaired cell mediated immunity.