We know that microgravity It is not good for humans, because it gradually affects the bones, eyes and even the heart. Now, There is new evidence that another organ is also affected.Which could jeopardize our space exploration plans.
It’s all about the kidneys. According to new research by scientists at University College London (UCL), The kidneys will not survive the round trip. I love you. Besides, they won’t do that during their long stay on the moon.
the study, Published In Nature Communications, it is one of the most comprehensive studies to date on kidney health in spaceflight. It includes data from astronauts and simulated space missions with mice. They were given a dose of cosmic radiation. Similar to what humans will get on flights to Mars for about two years.
Space and astronauts
Researchers have discovered that the kidneys of these animals deform under the conditions of outer space. For example, Renal tubulesResponsible for regulating calcium and salts in the body. He showed signs of shrinkage. In less than a month of exposure to space travel in humans and animals.
Until now, it was thought that kidney stones in space were caused by bone loss due to microgravity, which releases calcium into the urine. However, the UCL team has found that microgravity does exist. Changes the way the kidneys process saltsWhich contributes to the formation of stones.
There’s also the issue of radiation, the interaction of which with microgravity is not yet fully understood. On Earth, we are protected from space radiation by the magnetic field, but outside of it, astronauts are at risk. Both solar wind and cosmic radiation.
In mice exposed to sham radiation for two and a half years, it was found that He suffered permanent kidney damage. They lost kidney function completely.
At the moment the future is uncertain.
As a result of this new research, one of the study’s authors, Keith Siu, points out that If new ways to protect the kidneys are not developed, As the astronaut travels to Mars,Dialysis may be needed on the way back.“
Even with this conclusion, the study suggests some possible solutions. According to the researchers, if we better understand how the kidneys behave in the face of radiation and microgravity, it may be possible to create technological or pharmaceutical solutions. To protect the kidneys During upcoming space flights.
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