SOUTHAMPTON researchers are investigating the health impacts of flying in space.

A team at the University of Southampton have been working on an experiment with astronaut Tim Peake into the impacts of spaceflight.

Tim will be the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Shuttle later this year and during his six month mission will conduct a range of scientific experiments to help with future missions to the Moon or Mars.

Now an experiment led by Professor Donna Davies at the university has revealed how a lack of gravity affects the respiratory system, using a 3D model of human airways.

The aim of the experiments is to improve the understanding of human health here on Earth, as well as the effects of long duration human space travel.

Professor Davies said: “Cells can respond to mechanical signals such as gravity, pressure or touch. Our experiment aims to explore how weightlessness affects several aspects of airway cell behaviour. Since these processes are altered in several common, chronic lung diseases, we hope that our experiment will provide new insight into lung health and disease.”

The experiment by Professor Davies has been highlighted by the UK Space Agency in its National Strategy for Space Environments and Human Spaceflight.