We got some results from the NASA Twin Study and it’s teaching us about long term space travel. The study focused on identical twin astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly. Scott spent 340 days in space, while Mark remained on Earth. Comparing their results, NASA found that there were changes to Scott’s DNA, genes, body bacteria and more. Claire Maldareli, Associate editor at Popular Science, joins us for what happens to your body when you live in space for a year.




Next, Washington has become the first state in the country to legalize human composting. Before, the only acceptable means of disposition of a human body was burial or cremation, now we have “natural organic reduction.” The process involves wood chips, takes about four weeks, and yields about two wheelbarrows worth of soil. Brendan Kiley, reporter for the Seattle Times, joins us for a new alternative to burial or cremation




Finally, we speak to Sarah Zhang, writer at the Atlantic, about the sperm donor who has met 17 of his kids. Tim Gullicksen began donating sperm in 1989 and most of his kids are 18-25 years old now. They found him and other siblings through the Donor Sibling Registry and DNA test sites like 23andMe. A new family unit has formed and Sarah helps tell you their story.

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