Have you ever dreamed of landing a job that pays you to do, well, practically nothing? We’ve all heard of unique job listings, like being a caretaker on a secluded island or even shepherding sheep. But occasionally, the scientific community throws us a curveball, offering a chance to earn money by participating in voluntary studies.
Today’s scoop comes from the Toulouse Space Clinic (MEDES), which has opened its doors for twelve lucky individuals willing to stay in bed for sixty days straight. Yes, you read that right. The primary goal? To further understand the effects of weightlessness on the human body in preparation for space travel.
Why Lying Down? The Science Behind the Slumber
The harsh reality of space can take a toll on an astronaut’s physique, leading to muscle and bone loss due to the absence of gravity. Astronauts, like Thomas Pesquet, have had to engage in over two hours of daily exercise while aboard the International Space Station to combat these effects. However, as space missions evolve, so does the need for advanced preventative measures for health risks.
In steps the Toulouse Space Clinic, conducting experiments that simulate microgravity on earth. Some volunteers might find themselves cycling in a centrifuge at breakneck speeds. So, if you’re considering this, you might want to brace yourself (and maybe keep a bucket nearby).
The Experiment: Cycling Through Artificial Gravity
Not all participants will be relegated to bed rest. The study aims to test the combination of physical exercise and artificial gravity, or centrifugation. By random selection, one-third of the volunteers will cycle in conjunction with the centrifuge six days a week, another third will cycle without centrifugation, and the final group will not exercise at all, serving as the control group, explained Arnaud Beck, one of the study’s coordinating doctors.
Throughout the study, all twelve volunteers will undergo thorough examinations by fourteen scientific teams, ensuring their health and well-being are monitored closely.
Getting Paid to Hit the Hay
Funded by the European Space Agency and CNES, this two-phase experiment will take place over this and next year. Candidates must meet certain criteria: aged between 20 and 45, in excellent health, engage in regular physical activity, have a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 27, non-smokers, and have no food allergies or dietary restrictions.
If chosen, you’ll undergo extensive medical testing two weeks before spending 60 days tilted head-downward. Following this, participants will remain on-site for an additional two weeks for physical rehabilitation. For your time and contribution, you’ll be compensated €18,000 for the three-month commitment.
Imagine telling friends you landed a dream job paying you to stay in bed, contributing to space travel research from the comfort of a pillow. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s undoubtedly an out-of-this-world opportunity for the select few who meet the criteria and are ready for a unique adventure in the name of science.
