This important organ in the human body will not survive a trip to Mars

The fact that long space flights are not indifferent to health has been known at least since the 1970s. They result in weight loss, weakening of the heart and eyesight, and the formation of kidney stones. Scientists emphasize that this is largely the result of cosmic radiation and changed gravitational conditions. So far, 24 people have flown outside the Earth’s magnetosphere and stayed there for a relatively short time: from 6 to 12 days. Let us remind you that NASA expects that the manned mission to Mars will last about 9 months. That’s how long it will take for a one-way flight.

A trip to Mars and new research by scientists

Scientists from University College London examined the impact of a long stay in space on human kidneys. And there is no optimistic news. They analyzed data collected from humans and mice during more than 40 flights to low Earth orbit, as well as data collected during space travel simulations using mice and rats. During the research, the rodents were exposed to simulated cosmic radiation, the dose of which corresponded to 1.5-year and 2.5-year Mars missions. The results showed that both animal and human kidneys undergo significant changes in the conditions in space. An article on this topic was published in “Nature Communications”.

Permanently damaged kidneys. A disturbing discovery

Scientists have found that the structures responsible for the concentration of ions in the blood system show signs of shrinking after less than a month in space. Scientists say the likely cause is microgravity, with radiation accelerating the changes. Meanwhile, new research shows that long spaceflight fundamentally changes the way the kidneys process salt, and this is likely the main cause of kidney stones. “Perhaps the most disturbing finding is that the kidneys of mice exposed to radiation simulating 2.5 years in space suffered permanent damage and loss of function,” he reports.

– We know what happened to astronauts during the relatively short space missions carried out so far. They had health problems, kidney stones appeared. We don’t know what will happen to astronauts on longer flights, such as a mission to Mars. And while astronauts could make it to Mars, unless we develop new ways to protect their kidneys, they may need dialysis on the way back. We know that the kidneys show signs of radiation damage late. By the time this happens, it will likely be too late to prevent damage that would have catastrophic consequences for the mission’s chances of success, said Dr. Keith Siew, lead author of the study. that humans may not set foot on the Red Planet until 2040.