The Next Big Idea Daily Space Babies and Martian Bones: How Leaving Earth Will Change Our Bodies
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Mar 3, 2026 
Erika Nesvold, an astrophysicist focused on ethics of living off Earth, and Scott Solomon, an evolutionary biologist studying human adaptation to other planets, discuss space medicine, how low and partial gravity impact bones and immune systems, the prospects and risks of raising children off Earth, and the social justice challenges of building small, isolated space communities.
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Space Conditions Create Distinct Medical Challenges
- Astronaut health challenges stem from space conditions like low gravity and higher radiation, requiring a dedicated field of space medicine.
- Scott Solomon cites muscle loss, bone brittleness, and vision problems from fluid shifts as concrete effects observed in orbit.
Partial Gravity Will Reshape Growing Bodies
- Partial gravity on the Moon (1/8g) and Mars (1/3g) differs from microgravity and will produce different physiological outcomes.
- Scott Solomon warns kids growing up in 1/3g may develop weaker bones and muscles and struggle if they return to Earth.
Martian Microbiomes Could Make Visits To Earth Dangerous
- A Martian-born person's immune system would develop with a vastly reduced microbial pool, leaving them vulnerable to Earth microbes.
- Scott Solomon explains Mars will host only microbes humans bring, so Martians could face severe risks visiting Earth.
