French scientists studying microgravity are looking for 24 men willing to carry out all bodily functions in bed for 60 days whilst earning €16,000, according to The Guardian

Researchers at The Institute for Space Medicine and Physiology in France need 24 non-smoking, able-bodied men aged 20-45 with a maximum body mass index between 22 and 27 and no allergies for their research.

After undergoing a series of tests for two weeks, the volunteers will spend 60 days flat on their backs with their heads angled slightly downwards.

“The idea of this study is to reproduce the weightlessness of the International Space Station (ISS),” Arnaud Beck, who is coordinating the experiment, told 20 Minutes.

This task may be tougher than one might initially imagine. Volunteers will be expected to eat, wash and conduct all bodily functions while in this restricted position. “The rule is to keep at least one shoulder in contact with the bed or its frame.”

The rule is to keep at least one shoulder in contact with the bed or its frame.

The final two weeks of the experiment will be dedicated to the volunteers' recovery, while carrying out further tests to help conclude the results of the unusual two-month period.

Dr Beck stated that, by observing the detrimental effects of continued weightlessness on the human body, scientists may be able to find ways of combating them. “In certain conditions, the cardiovascular system is affected and is not capable of making the same effort as before the experiment. We even see a greater tendency to drops in blood pressure and vertigo.”

It has been found that astronauts who spend a prolonged period of time in space experience muscle loss, a decline in bone density and difficulty to stand once back on earth. Results from this experiment should help scientists to find ways to decrease these negative impacts on the body.

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