Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
11:08
Exploring the Effects of Spaceflight on Mouse Physiology using the Open Access NASA GeneLab Platform
Published on: January 13, 2019
A Role for Negative Genetic Selection in Space Exploration and Colonization
Marie Kerguelen Feldblyum Le Blevennec1
1Department of Philosophy, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Bioethics
|June 6, 2026
Summary
Negative genetic selection is crucial for space exploration until gene editing is accessible. It enhances astronaut survival and mission success by screening for beneficial traits, ensuring healthier space colonies.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Space Exploration
- Genetics
Background:
- Genetic selection is common on Earth.
- Space exploration presents unique challenges for human health.
- Gene editing technologies are advancing but not yet universally accessible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue for the significant role of negative genetic selection in space exploration and colonization.
- To identify reasons why negative selection is beneficial for space missions.
- To encourage bioethicists to consider negative selection as a tool for space endeavors.
Main Methods:
- Ethical argumentation
- Analysis of genetic selection principles
- Extrapolation of Earth-based selection criteria to space environments
Main Results:
- Negative genetic selection is justifiable for space missions due to persistent reasons for trait selection.
- Negative selection can improve astronaut survival and mission success.
- It contributes to the establishment of thriving space colonies.
Conclusions:
- Space bioethicists should not prematurely dismiss negative genetic selection.
- Negative selection is a valuable tool for ensuring effective and healthy space crews.
- It supports the long-term viability of space exploration and colonization.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.Positive Frequency-Dependent SelectionIn positive...
02:46Genetic Screens
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
01:09Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).Mechanisms of Genetic VariationThe original sources of genetic variation are mutations,...
01:38Limits to Natural Selection
Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.For one, natural selection can only act upon existing genetic variation. Hypothetically, redtusks may enhance elephant survival by deterring ivory-seeking poachers. However, if there are no gene variants—or alleles—for redtusks, natural selection cannot increase the prevalence of...
01:15Natural Selection and Adaptation
Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
03:33Genetic Drift
Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.Life is not fair. A deer grazing contentedly in a field can have her meal cut tragically short by a bolt of lightning. If the doomed doe is one of only three in the population, 1/3 of the population’s gene pool is lost. Random events like this can...