The Nation - News from May 30, 1989

A 27-year-old woman who spent a record 130 days isolated in a New Mexico cave began undergoing a weeklong series of tests in Houston that could yield clues about the medical effects of long-term space flight. Early indications are that Stefania Follini, an interior decorator from Ancona, Italy, who volunteered for the experiment, is faring well despite losing 17 pounds and showing signs of lethargy and inattentiveness during her latter days in the underground plexiglass home. Dr. Andrea Galvagno, one of two Italian researchers in Houston who have monitored her health, said it is still too early to tell what specific effects the long-term isolation had on her immune system. Follini, whose sense of time became disoriented during isolation, said at a news conference at HCA Gulf Pines Hospital that she is still having a hard time adjusting again to a 24-hour day.