TWiS 196: Becoming Martian! - How Will Human Beings Evolve on Mars?

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Feb 6, 2026

Dr. Scott Solomon, an evolutionary biologist and Rice University professor who wrote Becoming Martian, explores how humans might biologically and culturally change living on Mars. He discusses unknowns about reproduction and development in partial gravity. He examines moving Earth’s ecosystems off-world, founder effects and genetic diversity, and whether to modify humans or habitats.

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INSIGHT

Reproduction Could Be A Settlement Showstopper

Every step of reproduction and child development in space is untested enough that it could threaten sustainable off-Earth settlements.
Gravity is the central unknown because radiation can be mitigated but altered developmental mechanics might be irreversible.

ADVICE

Sequence Reproduction Research Safely

Start reproduction research with non-mammalian and small-animal models and escalate only after safety is shown.
Use devices that simulate partial gravity and conduct systematic IVF and embryo-development tests before human trials.

ANECDOTE

Space Born United's Early Experiments

Space Born United, a Netherlands company, is developing orbital studies and a centrifuge device to test IVF and embryo development in partial gravity.
They plan to launch early rodent-embryo experiments to gather critical initial data.

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It is widely accepted that over time, humanity will need to expand its presence into the solar system. What are the challenges? Well, space and our nearby worlds have proved to be a much greater challenge than we had long thought. While the rigors of zero-g have been well researched on the International Space Station, the challenges of living in lower gravity, such as that found on the moon and Mars, has not yet been explored. And human reproduction in space, along with genetic challenges, is a complete unknown. Rice University professor and researcher Scott Solomon joins us to explore these topics in depth, and to posit possible solutions.

Headlines:

Artemis 2 Moon Launch Faces More Delays Due to Hydrogen Leaks
Perseverance Rover on Mars Completes First Fully AI-Driven Journey
Study Warns of Urgent Need to Research Human Reproduction in Space

Main Topic: Becoming Martian – What It Would Take for Humans to Thrive on Mars

Biological impacts of space and Martian environments on the human body
Gaps in research about human reproduction, growth, and development in space and partial gravity
Ethical, social, and medical challenges of having children beyond Earth
The complexities of transplanting Earth's ecosystems, microbiomes, and the risk of disruptive species
Evolutionary changes and the likely divergence of human populations living long-term off-Earth
Considerations around modifying humans versus modifying extraterrestrial environments
Infectious disease threats and dwindling biological immunity for space settlers
Psychological, cultural, and population dynamics for future interplanetary communities

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Scott Solomon

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