Mars colonies could reshape humanity's biology
A Rice University professor argues that Mars colonization would bring major biological challenges: one-third Earth gravity could weaken bone density and raise childbirth risks, while exposure to Martian microbes might outpace human immune defenses; over generations, humans on Mars may shrink and become biologically distinct, with cultural and evolutionary differences depending on travel between planets. Solomon cautions that while Mars settlement is a tantalizing goal tied to Musk’s plans, many unknowns about reproduction, immunity, and adaptation must be resolved first.
