According to a recent study, astronauts' blood does indeed undergo DNA changes as a result of spaceflight. The study examined blood samples taken from 14 astronauts involved in NASA's space shuttle program, and it was published in Communications Biology in August.
DNA Changes in Astronauts
When compared to blood samples taken earlier, the researchers found multiple DNA changes in blood-forming stem cells, which may cause concern in the future. The researchers claim that while the mutations are alarming, they are still below the general threshold of concern.
However, the researchers concluded that astronauts should undergo routine blood testing to check for potential alterations. The fact that these DNA abnormalities have been found in astronauts more than anything else demonstrates that spaceflight has more unintended repercussions than previously believed.
This isn't the first time the safety of space travel has been put into doubt. Prior to the development of NASA's space shuttle program, there were worries that astronauts would be at an increased risk of developing cancer while in spaceflight. Though worries about the health consequences of spaceflight have persisted, a 2019 study revealed that wasn't the case.
Scientists are focusing increasingly on these health dangers as plans for commercial spaceflights and long-term space missions progress. Intriguing and concerning are the DNA alterations that were discovered in the astronauts. The researchers examined blood samples taken from the astronauts over 20 years ago. These astronauts participated in spaceflights from 1998 to 2001.
Identifying DNA Alterations
They began identifying the DNA alterations after comparing the samples to the astronaut's current blood spectrum. In total, 34 nonsynonymous mutations were found in 17 CH-driver genes. They claim that additional inspection and research are necessary given the presence of these tiny clones in the blood.
The DNA abnormalities that were discovered in the astronaut's blood were disturbing. However, scientists are unsure of what exactly caused these alterations. The astronauts may have been exposed to something that isn't necessarily a danger today, or it may have been spaceflight itself.
Human Body in Space
For more than 50 years, NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) has been studying what happens to the human body in space. Researchers are using what they learn to develop protocols, tools, and techniques to keep astronauts safe and healthy while on their missions.
NASA classified human spaceflight hazards according to the pressures they exert on the body since the risks for astronauts who spend six months on the space station versus those who may be away on a Mars trip for years are not the same. The acronym RIDGE can sum up space radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity fields, and hostile/closed environments.
The long-term effects of radiation exposure on astronauts' health, which may increase their risk of cancer, heart disease, and cataracts, pose the greatest health hazards.
It might also be difficult for astronauts to land a spaceship on Mars as they learn to navigate under another celestial body's gravity. Astronauts may develop post-flight orthostatic intolerance, a condition in which they cannot maintain their blood pressure after standing up, which can cause dizziness and fainting. Some astronauts also feel back pain while in orbit.
Despite the risk, the good news is that before and throughout their space missions, astronauts for the space station already receive medical training that teaches them how to handle potential health issues.
RELATED ARTICLE: Astronauts Acquire Mental, Emotional Health Problems During Space Missions Due to Lack of Gravity
Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times.
