What To Know
- The presence of ice at the poles and potential underground water reserves hint at a possible future on this planet.
- A recent study by University College London (UCL) revealed concerning effects of space travel on kidney health, casting doubt on the feasibility of future Mars missions and potentially jeopardizing colonization plans.
- Published in Nature Communications, the study conducted an extensive analysis of the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on kidneys, using data from astronauts and experiments with mice.
One of the main goals of space exploration is to learn more about Mars, the fourth planet in the solar system and our closest neighbor. The habitability of the “Red Planet” is of great interest due to conditions that, in some aspects, resemble those of early Earth. For instance, the presence of ice at the poles and potential underground water reserves hint at a possible future on this planet. However, a recent study by University College London (UCL) revealed concerning effects of space travel on kidney health, casting doubt on the feasibility of future Mars missions and potentially jeopardizing colonization plans.
The Study and Its Alarming Findings
Published in Nature Communications, the study conducted an extensive analysis of the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on kidneys, using data from astronauts and experiments with mice. The research, one of the most comprehensive to date, discovered significant kidney deformities in space.
Key Findings:
- Renal Tubules Damage: Fundamental for regulating calcium and salt balance, renal tubules showed signs of shrinkage after less than a month in space, observed in both humans and mice.
- Altered Kidney Function: Microgravity may alter how kidneys process salts, leading to serious renal problems over time.
- Radiation Impact: Mice exposed to simulated radiation for over two years suffered permanent kidney damage and significant loss of kidney function.
Implications for Long-Duration Space Missions
These findings raise serious concerns about the health of astronauts on long-duration missions, such as a trip to Mars. The study suggests that without developing new ways to protect astronauts’ kidneys, dialysis might be necessary during the journey back to Earth.
Future Directions and Potential Solutions
The study underscores the need for technologies or pharmaceutical treatments to mitigate these harmful effects. Keith Siew, the study’s lead author, emphasized the urgency of finding protective measures for kidneys during space travel.
Food and Living Conditions on Mars
In parallel with addressing health risks, efforts are also underway to ensure sustainable living conditions on Mars. For instance, projects like Puratos in Brussels are exploring ways to bake and produce food on Mars, investigating the future of food production in space.
This study not only challenges the practicality of Mars colonization but also opens new avenues for research and innovation to make such ambitious goals achievable.
