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Professor Explores Risks of Childbirth on Mars

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rice University professor Scott Solomon discusses Mars colonization challenges in his upcoming book, Becoming Martian.
He notes a lack of research on childbirth in space and risks of reproduction in low gravity.
Solomon warns a child born on Mars may face immune risks due to limited exposure to Earth’s microorganisms.
He speculates Martian settlers could evolve to be smaller.
They may struggle to return to Earth.

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Story summary

Rice University professor Scott Solomon discusses Mars colonization challenges in his upcoming book, Becoming Martian.
He notes a lack of research on childbirth in space and risks of reproduction in low gravity.
Solomon warns a child born on Mars may face immune risks due to limited exposure to Earth’s microorganisms.
He speculates Martian settlers could evolve to be smaller.
They may struggle to return to Earth.