About this episode

This episode discusses the effects of microgravity on the human body, particularly in the context of long-duration space flights.

The record for the longest space-flight is held by physician-cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov. Back in 1994-95, he spent 437 days on the Mir space station and grew 4 centimetres in height through elongation of his spine in micro-gravity. Polyakov had an uncomfortable ride back to Earth in the very precisely customised descent module. Microgravity also causes demineralization of weight-bearing bones that is faster than age-related decline. But the cosmonaut had worked out religiously for the en...

Topics covered

• space medicine
• microgravity effects
• physiology
• remote practice
• health

Keywords

• Valeri Polyakov
• 437 days
• Mir space station
• spine elongation
• demineralization
• weight-bearing bones
• exercise in space

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Earth

More episodes of Pomegranate Health

• REWIND<< Genomics for the generalist · April 21, 2026 · 48 min
• Ep146: Dealing with the next pandemic 2- lockdowns and human rights · April 5, 2026 · 56 min
• Ep145: Dealing with the next pandemic 1- border closures and vaccine mandates · March 29, 2026 · 1h 6m
• [Case Report] 62yo undergoing procedure for a lung nodule · March 15, 2026 · 24 min
• Ep143: On the ground with MSF · March 1, 2026 · 1h 4m
• [Case Report] 75 yo with a porcelain aorta · February 15, 2026 · 31 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Pomegranate Health podcast page.