I think if there’s one creature on the planet that we’re all pretty okay with doing weird experiments to, it’s worms. Though, I guess that’ll soon be “one creature off the planet” with what NASA’s got in store.
NASA has begun preparations for the Molecular Muscle Experiment. This experiment involves sending thousands of microscopic worms up to the International Space Station. See, NASA’s been noticing lately that astronauts in orbit have been suffering muscle atrophy of up to 40% of their total muscle mass. Since worms share a lot of molecular structure with humans (and they’re pretty much just bundles of wiggly muscle), they’ll make great test cases. They’re small, simple to care for, and they’re easy to grow and deliver in a surplus. The experiment is set to begin later this year, though the actual trials will probably only take about a week. NASA is also hoping that these trials will give some insight into muscle loss conditions for us regular folks here on Earth.
