This could have big implications for human reproduction in spaceflight.

“Exposure to short duration gravity load changes including microgravity, as sustained in a parabolic flight statistically significantly decreases the sperm motility and vitality of human fresh sperm samples,” the team found, adding that this may have huge importance for any prolonged human settlement missions in space.

“In the future, should humans remain in space for long periods of time with exposure to different microgravity and hypergravity peaks, which could range from months to a number of years, reproduction may pose a problem to be tackled.”

The mechanism by which sperm motility was decreased remains unknown, with further study needed.

  • @T156English
    5•1 month ago

    … Why not just say that then? It would save much confusion.

    It’d be hard to say whether there would be no suffering in off-world colonies, but I should doubt it. Traditionally, colonisation has been a dangerous thing, and human nature is as human nature does. The best you can do is reduce it so that what suffering does occur is either minor, or ineffectual.

    • JackGreenEarthEnglish
      -2•1 month ago

      Today I seem really terrible at saying what I mean! 🤣

      Whether on or off planet, humans anywhere will experience suffering, likely to an extent that far outweighs the pleasure they experience. Therefore it’s unethical to create more humans if your goal is reduction of suffering.