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INTRODUCTION: Human colonization of Mars has captured the imagination of many. However, the challenges posed are immense. In microgravity, changes in human physiology, immune dysregulation, alterations of our microbiome, and enhanced virulence of various microbes are some of the barriers that stand in the way of a successful endeavor. Countermeasures can be brought to bear, but it remains unclear if success of such a mission in the foreseeable future is realistic or fanciful. Mermel L. Human evolution, microgravity, and challenges colonizing Mars. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(9):720–721.
Leonard A. Mermel (2024) studied this question.