As we start a new week, spare a thought for 4 American scientists who are re-entering regular society after spending 378 days isolated from the outside world in a NASA simulation of life on Mars. The volunteers – Anca Selariu, Ross Brockwell, Nathan Jones and Kelly Haston – left the 3D-printed Mars Dune Alpha habitat that was set up inside the Johnson Space Center in Texas on Saturday to the applause of onlookers… As part of the experiment, the group was put through “stressors” to see how humans could potentially handle real-life Mars and moon missions in future. That included confinement and communication delays with officials and their families on ‘Earth’ – but they did have some enjoyable ways to pass the time, including growing veggies and taking “Mars walks”. Overall, they were positive about the experience. Brockwell said it shows “we can do these things together”.